Williamson has made 23 league starts for Newcastle since his January move

Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson hopes his side can regroup during the international break after Sunday's 2-1 defeat by Manchester City.

The Magpies looked to have earned a point at Eastlands but were undone by a strike from City winger Adam Johnson.

"It's difficult to go into an international break on the back of a loss," Williamson told BBC Newcastle.

"But it gives us time to get on the training ground, look at the positives and work on our weaknesses."

The mood at St James' Park was further darkened by a serious injury to on-loan Marseille midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa.

Ben Arfa, 23, has since undergone an operation on a broken tibia and fibula, but faces a long lay-off.

"Everyone knows what that entails, the recovery mentally and physically is difficult," Williamson continued.

"Not only our team, but I think everyone in the football world feels for him and I'm sure everyone wishes him a full recovery.

"He's been a great player and asset for us in the last couple of weeks and it's disappointing to lose him."

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