Ben Arfa Left Out Again

In the latest round of international call-ups, it is no surprise to see Diddier Descamps again leave Hatem Ben Arfa out of his squad, despite the player’s sparkling early season form. Clearly it will take something even more special to force

Deschamps’ hand with the manager already having a negative impression of the player from previous bust-ups at club level.

Yohan Cabaye has made the French squad that will take on Japan and Spain later in October.

Haris Vuckic has been called up by Slovenia but most black & white eye will be on the African Cup Of Nations play-off between Ivory Coast and Senegal.

Cheick Tiote’s Ivory Coast hold a 4-2 advantage and most Newcastle will have everything crossed that Cisse and Ba’s Senegal don’t overturn that deficit and head off to the tournament in January. That match is on Saturday 13th October and it is Senegal at home for the crucial second leg.