Ben Arfa absent for Magpies

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton will begin a lengthy spell without France winger Hatem Ben Arfa as he continues his recovery from surgery to repair a double leg fracture.

The 23-year-old is out of tomorrow’s home clash with Wigan and is unlikely to return until March following Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong’s tackle.

However, central defender Fabricio Coloccini is fit after limping off at Eastlands with a groin problem.

Danny Guthrie (knee) could return from a lengthy lay-off after playing for the reserves last week, although the game will come too soon for Danny Simpson (ankle) following his appearance for the second string on Wednesday.

Steven Taylor (shoulder) is due to resume training next week but Leon Best (ankle), Steve Harper (shoulder) and Dan Gosling (knee) remain on the sidelines.

Provisional squad: Krul, Soderberg, R. Taylor, Perch, Ferguson, Enrique, Coloccini, Williamson, Campbell, Kadar, Smith, Tiote, Barton, Routledge, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Vuckic, Tavernier, Donaldson, Nolan, Carroll, Ameobi, Lovenkrands, Ranger.