Barton joined Newcastle from Manchester City in June

Barton, 25, has been out since breaking a bone in his foot in pre-season following a �5.8m move from City.

But Magpies boss Sam Allardyce said Barton would not be ready for first-team action for some time.

"It will be four or five weeks or at least three or four reserve games," said Allardyce.

Barton had raised the prospect of a possible return for the game against Everton on Sunday but Allardyce has ruled that out.

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The prospect of Barton's return was raised after he travelled with the squad to their last three away games to give his team-mates moral support.

But the partial fracture of his fifth metatarsal sustained against Carlisle in July has needed a lengthy healing process and he will have to build up his match fitness before he can contemplate any first-team action.