Ben Arfa to return for Newcastle

Newcastle starlet Hatem Ben Arfa is set to return to action after almost a year on the sidelines in Tuesday's Carling Cup third round visit to Nottingham Forest.

French winger Ben Arfa has not played a competitive match for the Magpies since October 3 last year, when he suffered a double leg fracture at Manchester City.

He then endured a further setback when he injured an ankle on the Magpies' pre-season tour of the United States.

Former Everton man Dan Gosling also hopes to feature if he can overcome a groin strain.

But Italian full-back Davide Santon misses out after having fluid drained from his injured knee which required him to have treatment in London.