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Hatem Ben Arfa has been ruled out until the end of the season.

The playmaker requires an operation and Alan Pardew is resigned to being without him until pre-season.

Ben Arfa tweaked his hamstring in Moscow last week against Anzhi but Pardew believes he must go under the knife in order to make sure United have the "X Factor" for next season.

Pardew said today: “Hatem the news is not so good.

“He needs an operation on his hamstring and he could miss the rest of the year.

“The priority for him is pre-season.

“He gives us the X Factor.

“It’s unfortunate for Hatem.

“The team has responded well in his absence."

Meanwhile Yohan Cabaye has a chance of being fit for Wigan after tweaking his groin.

Pardew said: “Cabaye is good news and has a half chance for Sunday."