But the England international is on track to make his Premier League debut at ... of all places ... Manchester City.
Barton Set For Two Dates In Manchester!
Sam Allardyce's £5.8m signing has made significant progress in recent days and is hoping to be given the go-ahead to resume running next week.
If he does make his comeback at Manchester City's Eastlands home - a venue he departed in controversial circumstances this summer - that would make it TWO dates at Manchester because he is up in court on October 4th.
If he does make his comeback at Manchester City's Eastlands home - a venue he departed in controversial circumstances this summer - that would make it TWO dates at Manchester because he is up in court on October 4th.
The 25-year-old left the Premier League club for Newcastle following an incident in which it is alleged that he attacked Ousmane Dabo, at that time a team-mate, during a routine training session.
It is an accusation Barton has denied and having pleaded not guilty during an appearance before magistrates last month, the England international has vowed to clear his name.
Barton spent last week in Portugal with Damien Duff working on a special recuperation programme.