Barton's agent Willie McKay: “Joey can’t wait to be involved again.
“He’s had no setback but he has rushed back before for the team and ended up being injured again.
“There’s no need for him to rush – he said to me he will be back in February at some point and nothing has changed.
“When he does come back it will be like having a new signing for Newcastle.
“He’s keen to play his part and, with his experience at Premier League level, he can be a real asset to Newcastle in the run-in.
“Joey loves Newcastle and he is desperate to play a part in taking them back to the top.”