He was given an extended break following his involvement in France’s Euro 2012 campaign and will link up with his colleagues in Portugal.
The players flew to Faro this morning ahead of tomorrow night’s game against Olympiakos, but Ben Arfa has been given permission to fly directly to Portugal, where United also have a game against Braga on Saturday night.
The 25-year-old will most likely be held back until Newcastle’s next game, the trip to Holland to face Den Haag on August 4.