Ben Arfa suffered the original damage during the 1-1 Europa League draw with Maritimo at St James' Park on November 22 and sat out the following four games as a result.

Four years after winning its first Olympic gold, France's men's handball team did it again on Sunday, but endured a tense second half on its way to the 22-21 victory. The result was the first time that a male handball team has won back-to-back gold medals.

Hatem Ben Arfa was so angry at being substituted in France's 2-0 defeat by Sweden in their final Euro 2012 Group D match that he told coach Laurent Blanc he could send him home if he wished, L'Equipe said on Thursday.

France coach Laurent Blanc admitted on Wednesday that angry words were exchanged by his players after their loss to Sweden at Euro 2012, but played down the significance of the incident.

Wayne Rooney on Tuesday marked his come-back from suspension with a goal as England beat Ukraine 1-0 to win Group D and France ended their six-year wait for a knock-out spot despite losing 2-0 to Sweden.

France qualified for the knockout stages of a major finals for the first time in six years here on Tuesday despite losing their final Euro 2012 Group D match 2-0 to the already eliminated Sweden.

Karim Benzema hopes to find his best form again and France coach Laurent Blanc has predicted his star striker will score against Sweden.

France are looking to end a six year hiatus of failing to qualify for the knockout stages of a major finals here on Tuesday and get the result they need against already eliminated Sweden in their Euro 2012 Group D match.