Newcastle have confirmed that Joey Barton is set to be sidelined for up to eight weeks after damaging knee ligaments during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Wigan.
The midfielder limped out of the action at St James' Park with just 17 minutes on the clock, and left the stadium on crutches.
He then underwent a number of scans on Sunday to determine the severity of the problem, and has been left disappointed by the results.
The Magpies' medical staff have revealed that the 26-year-old suffered a slight tear to his right medial ligament during an innocuous challenge with Wigan's Lee Cattermole, an injury which is expected to keep him out of action for some time.
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."
Frustration
Barton, despite facing up to the prospect of a prolonged period on the treatment table, remains determined to prove his worth at Newcastle this season.
He said: "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."
The one-cap England international has struggled to make an impact on Tyneside since completing a £5.8million switch from Manchester City last summer.
He has made five appearances since returning from that suspension, but looks unlikely to feature again in 2008.
*Go here as well if you want to read the statement from NUFC http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1456935,00.html
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