With Alan Shearer in the frame to be the next Newcastle manager, Barton's future at the club is bleak.
But caretaker boss Chris Hughton revealed he is back in training and part of the squad for Saturday's pre-season opener.
Barton To Wear The Black And White Once Again?
Hughton: "I plan to use all the players who are here.
"I won't be looking to play anyone for 90 minutes. My main concern is not so much the performance, but getting through the 90 minutes with no injuries.
"Each individual player has got to get something out of the game. If we have no injuries, we will be halfway there."