Newcastle United full-back Davide Santon believes that midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa has been the club's best player this season.

Ben Arfa is expected to miss two weeks of action after he was injured during Newcastle's 1-1 draw with Maritimo on Thursday night and his teammate has admitted that his side will miss the Frenchman's flair during his absence.

Santon told the Northern Echo: "He's a really big player for us. I think we will miss him.

"He's an amazing player and we need him on the pitch. We will have to try a different type of player.

"He's been the best player for us this season and being without him will be difficult for us on Sunday. But we have to win, 100%, because we need this win."

Santon and Ben Arfa had featured in every Premier League game this season until Ben Arfa's injury.