Pardew: 'That Was The Weakest Squad I Have Had'

Last updated : 07 December 2012 By Footy Mad - Editor

Hatem Ben Arfa, Jonas Gutierrez, Demba Ba and Cheik Tiote are all set to return to training ahead of Monday night’s televised game.

Gabriel Obertan is also close to returning from a niggling toe problem.

Ben Arfa suffered a hamstring problem in the home game against Maritimo last month, and Pardew’s looking forward to having his creativity and pace back at Craven Cottage, where he scored in last season’s 5-2 defeat.

Alan Pardew: “The good news from the camp is that I’m hoping most of the guys left behind can train (today), if not Sunday.

“We can go into Monday in a lot healthier position with the best possible players we can.

“Hatem’s got a chance, as has Obertan, Jonas, Demba Ba and Cheik Tiote. I’m hoping at least three of those can train, and the rest on Sunday.”

“That was probably the weakest squad (in France) I’ve had to pick from in terms of senior players.

“There was no one left behind who was fit. We took everybody, but I did have an eye on Monday.”