Newcastle Midfielder Joey Barton will be on the sidelines for up to 8 weeks after doctors confirmed a slight tear in his right knee after a 50 – 50 challenge with Wigan’s Lee Cattermole at the weekend.

With fiery midfielder limping off in the 17th minute of the 2 – 2 draw, Barton said after the match “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.

“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.”

image via DailyMail