Manchester City: Barton: 6 weeks out

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton will be sidelined for at least six weeks after being forced to have a knee operation.

The 22-year-old had to see a specialist who recommended an immediate operation after Barton had struggled with the injury for several weeks.

City boss Kevin Keegan is disappointed by the news particularly as Barton had been playing some of the best football of his career this season.

Joey Barton has had an operation on his knee on Tuesday morning which is a big blow," he told the club's official website.

"The problem is something that we have been aware of but he has been able to play with it.

"We had it scanned and then went to a specialist on Monday evening and he said to operate. When you are told that then you do not risk the player any more.

"It is a blow for everybody and he will be out for at least six weeks. It is very similar to what Jihai Sun has had.

4thegame