Joey Barton will make a controversial return for Newcastle today -
and come face-to-face with Manchester City rival Ousmane
Dabo.
In a remarkable twist the pair will go head-to-head - in a reserve
game - for the first time since their alleged training ground brawl
last May that ended Barton's City career and left Dabo in hospital
- and pressing assault charges.
Barton's comeback could not be any more explosive. He has been out
since pre-season with a broken metatarsal and is desperate to get
fit to help Sam Allardyce's club.
The £5.3million midfielder was at City for the clash between the
first teams on Saturday, but his appearance in the reserves will
cause a stir because of the potential for tackles and fouls with
Dabo.
Frenchman Dabo was bitter about the bust-up with Barton and has
decided to pull no punches in response, with a court case due in
the next few weeks.
It is unusual for such adversaries to meet in the run-up to a legal
showdown and all eyes will be watching them on the field - but the
pair are determined to play.
Barton wants to be fit in a hurry while Dabo is keen to show he is
ready for selection or, more likely, a sale in the next transfer
window.
