Newcastle United have confirmed that midfielder Joey Barton will be out for around two months after suffering knee ligament damage in the 2-2 draw with Wigan Athletic.

The 26-year-old lasted just 17 minutes of the weekend action before being forced off after a challenge by Lee Cattermole, with a subsequent scan showing damage to the medial ligament in his right knee.

A Magpies spokesman confirmed: "After further assessment today following scans yesterday, he has damage to his right medial ligament and will be out for eight weeks."

Barton has made just six appearances for the Magpies this season, but has refused to blame Cattermole for his latest setback.

He added: "I am not blaming Lee Cattermole in any way for this injury. It was a 50-50 ball and we both went for it and these things happen.

"Obviously, it's disappointing and frustrating and my sole intention is to knuckle down and bounce back and get fit again to help the Newcastle United cause."