Newcastle manager Chris Hughton admits he does not know if Hatem Ben Arfa will make a permanent move to St James’ Park.
Ben Arfa is out until March with the broken leg sustained in a tackle by Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong last weekend.
The 23-year-old winger will now fail to meet criteria in his loan agreement that would lead to a permanent deal, but Marseille boss Didier Deschamps insists the French club would not stand in his way.
However, Hughton told the Newcastle Journal: “I don’t know what is going to happen in terms of his transfer.
“It is something for the various parties to discuss when the time is right. At the moment all we can concentrate on is making sure we get him back to full fitness.
“The hard work starts now. He has had the operation and now he has to start thinking about rehab. This is the really tough time for any player who suffers a serious injury.
“Most do at some point in their careers, most will have a long-term injury but it is sad it has happened so early in his.
“It is mentally tough when you know you have such a long time without playing football.
“That’s the hardest part of a serious injury and that is what Hatem has got ahead of him.”