Last week we heard Joey Barton was set to return to action sooner than expected. But today the rumour from SJP claims he has taken a step backwards.

But Chris Hughton today played it down saying: "I'm not aware of a further setback. It's a four-month period of rehabilitation, and as far as I'm aware it hasn't changed."

Barton was expected to return in January, but there were reports today that it could be even longer.