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Hughton on star's return claims
Newcastle United, 12:56, February 26, 2009 ,
Newcastle have rejected claims combative midfielder Joey Barton is poised to return from a broken metatarsal next week.
The one-cap England international has been out of action since last month to add to his absence because of knee trouble and suspension problems earlier in the season.
Hopes had been raised that Barton was almost ready to make his comeback but stand-in boss Chris Hughton has now poured cold water on the speculation.
He told the Echo: "There is no chance of Joey being back in early March.
"He's still probably four weeks away. He's still wearing the surgical boot and he's not allowed too much movement."