ALAN Pardew does not expect to see Hatem Ben Arfa in action for Newcastle United for at least another two months as he finds it tough to deal with the after-effects of his double leg break.

The France international returned to Tyneside last week for the first time since he suffered the horrific injury following a tackle from Manchester City’s Nigel de Jong in October.

But Pardew is concerned about the psychological damage the injury has caused to the young playmaker and will resist the urge to do anything to rush him back even if it means he does not play again this season.

Despite some wild speculation Ben Arfa would return to the side at the end of January, the former Marseille man knew he would have to endure the boredom of a lengthy rehabilitation programme and his manager does not want to do anything that jeopardises his full recovery.

“He is in the process of recovery,” said Pardew. “But to break both bones in the shin is tough, not just physically, but mentally. He has a long road back in my opinion.

“He is going to be a big player for us next season. I think his recovery will take us into April maybe even May. I am absolutely going to protect him. If I get the luxury of doing that of course.”