The Queens Park Rangers midfielder is back training with the Under-21s.
QPR have missed Joey Barton’s presence in midfield dearly.
The R’s got the job done without the tough central midfielder last Monday, when they beat struggling Aston Villa 2-0 at Loftus Road.
But, in the games – and particularly defeats – that came prior for Harry Redknapp’s side, Barton’s absence through injury was sorely felt.
Against Chelsea later today, the west London side would no doubt have benefited from the 32-year-old’s strength.
That, however, was not to be, although Barton has delivered a positive injury update on Twitter.
The central midfielder admits it is ‘great to be back’ after completing his first training session back with the Under-21s.
The next natural step will be to re-engage with QPR’s senior squad in training, before getting some kind of match time, etiher for the Under-21s again or straight back in Redknapp’s first team.
QPR face a tough run of fixtures in the coming weeks, as they host Manchester City after facing league-leaders Chelsea, before travelling to St James’ Park to play Newcastle United.
Barton will no doubt be cheering his side on with great volume against the Blues…
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