Jonas Gutierrez remarkable recovery is about to get even better as he hones in on a return to Premier League action.
The Argentine winger has beaten testicular cancer and is now set to make his first appearance for Newcastle United in around 18 months.
Gutierrez has been returning to full fitness with the Magpies U21s side and has now been given the all-clear to return to the first team squad ahead of the weekend's home clash with Aston Villa.
"I'm going to bring Jonas Gutierrez into the squad, and there's a possibility he could be on the bench this weekend," said head coach John Carver.
"That's a huge lift for him, and for everyone else around the club, and certainly for the fans because I know how much they like him. I'm sure they'll give him a good reception."
Carver did make it clear, however, that he was under no pressure from the board to select Gutierrez who has been with the club since 2008.
"My situation with Jonas is that if I need to use him, I will definitely use him. I know there have been rumours about the board picking him, or this one picking him and that, but I make the football decisions and I will pick him when I think the time is right," Carver added.
