Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton was supposed to return for the Swansea game some weeks ago, but his return has been delayed by some weeks.
Joey Barton – looking good in training
And Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has talked about Joey today, but of course there’s no reason to rush Joey back – much better that he fully recover from his foot injury.
Barton has been sidelined since last September after suffering a foot injury for the third time at Newcastle, since he was signed in July, 2007 from Manchester City by then manager big Sam Allardyce.
He underwent exploratory foot surgery on October 2nd, and has been recovering over the five months since that operation.
Hughton, who has handled players’ injuries extremely well this season, so that they fully recover before coming back into the fray, has said today the 27-year-old Liverpudlian will be allowed ample time to build up to match fitness before he is used in the first team.
Chris said t0day:
“Joey is still a little way away. He is back in training and I would have to say (he is) looking good in training.”
“But he has been out for a period of four months, which is a long time, and what he will have to do is get some game-time under his belt.”
“Whether that is organized games or reserve fixtures he can play in – but for him, it will be just about getting up to match speed.”
Joey is an accomplished player and when fit will further strengthen the Newcastle squad.
But Joey also has lots of Premier League experience, and he will be a player the side will be looking to next season, should the Magpies gain promotion in May.
The Newcastle squad right now is very solid, but we still probably need four very good players signed in the summer, before we can be sure that we’ll be good enough to stay in the PL next season, without a relegation fight.
Joey will hopefully be back in the fray by then and help us to do just that.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
7 comments so far
Toon-Army
Mar 3, 2010 at 7:41 PM
Comment #1good to see that ranger played for the u-19’s last night. and that carroll is playing for u-21’s tonight.
tdt
Mar 3, 2010 at 8:29 PM
Comment #2egypt 1-0 england
tdt
Mar 3, 2010 at 8:32 PM
Comment #3I hope we dont get that young midfielder Johnson from ManC, although I’m sure has a great player, we already have 1 Joey Barton thanks! lol I dont want to have st. james’ turned into a probation officers office thanks!
Toonkistan
Mar 3, 2010 at 10:53 PM
Comment #4if he can work on his behavior and control his anger he can still be the driving engine newcastle would need in PL…remember he was one of the better midfield player in england but so was Smithy & nolan:$:$
BruneiToooN
Mar 4, 2010 at 2:32 AM
Comment #5a good player. but when he starts playing, he will get injured AGAIN.
Alan
Mar 4, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Comment #6Hopefully Joey will be like a new signing when he comes back 🙂
BeeGuy
Mar 4, 2010 at 12:25 PM
Comment #7I have my fingers crossed for Barton, but I’m ready for another injury. It will be a joy to see him dish the ball around, especially if he works well with Guthrie. Let’s hope Routledge comes back and can do some sharpshooting off good feeds from the middies. Even Jonas may pop a few working with them.