Barton out for two months
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Newcastle will be without Joey Barton for up to eight weeks after the club confirmed on Monday morning that a scan had revealed the Newcastle midfielder has damaged knee ligaments.
Barton twisted his knee in a challenge with Lee Cattermole in The Magpies’ 2-2 draw with Wigan on Saturday, and left St James’ park on crutches.
A trip to hospital on Sunday compounded Barton’s and the club’s worst fears as a slight tear to the medial ligament in his right knee was verified, and he will now need up to two months on the sidelines to recover.
A club spokesman said: "After further assessment today following scans yesterday, he has damage to his right medial ligament and will be out for eight weeks."
Barton refused to lay the blame for the injury at Cattermole’s door, insisting that the challenge was a fair one.
"I am not blaming Lee Cattermole in any way for this injury. It was a 50-50 ball and we both went for it, and these things happen," said Barton.
"Obviously, it's disappointing and frustrating, and my sole intention is to knuckle down and bounce back and get fit again to help the Newcastle United cause."
Barton only returned to action for Newcastle at the end of last month after serving a six-game ban.
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noooo my barton!!
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orbi, guai lan some more lah.