Alan Pardew: I expect Yohan Cabaye to play for Newcastle this weekend

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew expects Yohan Cabaye (L) to play for Newcastle this weekend amid reported interest from Arsenal[Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images]

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has confirmed that he expects midfielder Yohan Cabaye to feature for The Toons against Fulham this weekend, according to Sky Sports.

The French international has reportedly refused to play after learning that Arsenal made a bid in the region of £10 million for him before the first match of the season.

Arsenal have not yet improved upon their initial bid, which was rejected outright by Newcastle, but Pardew admits that Cabaye could still depart before the transfer window closes on September 2nd.

“What I have said to Yohan Cabaye is I expect him to play this weekend,” Pardew told reporters ahead of Saturday’s visit of Martin Jol’s side.

“Until another bid comes in from Arsenal that is accepted or not that will be the situation.”

Pardew remained tight lipped when asked if Cabaye had refused to play in the first two matches of the season, against Manchester City and West Ham United, but was annoyed that his plans for the season had been undermined by Arsenal’s interest in the 27-year-old.

“It is quite simple – we need to resolve the situation,” he said after a goalless draw against the Hammers.

“We need to get ourselves in a position where if he stays, great, and if he doesn’t stay we need to get someone equally as good.

“It’s difficult at the moment. We have big clubs filling our players with disharmony.”