Newcastle's Barton Set For January Return

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EPL: Joey Barton addresses the Toon Army after scoring against West Bromwich Albion. (PA)

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By the time Joey Barton returns to action for Newcastle United in mid-January he will have been out for nine weeks with the knee injury he picked up in the game against Wigan Athletic last month, that's if the Magpies physios are accurate in their assessment of the situation.

That means he will be able to face his old club Manchester City on January 28, as well as being available for the biggest game of any Geordie's season: against Sunderland at St James' Park three days later.

"We have just had Joey’s injury re-assessed and the doctor and physio team tell me we can expect to have him back in the middle of January," explained Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear.

"And now that he has a date to aim for, it will give Joey a big lift."

There was also good news for Toon fans regarding another of the club's injured England internationals, utility player Alan Smith.

"The same applies to Alan Smith, who we are hoping to have back with us by the end of January following his injury problems," Kinnear added.

On a more immediate level though, Kinnear will be without forwards Damien Duff and Shola Ameobi, neither of whom featured in the goalless draw against Middlesbrough at the weekend after injuring themselves in training last Thursday.

"Shola has an ankle and foot injury and he is doubtful for Saturday," said Kinnear.

"He is probably 50-50, but I don’t think it would be wise to risk him.

“While Damien Duff will not make Saturday, I am expecting him to be with us when we go to Portsmouth next weekend."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com