Newcastle United’s Jonas Gutierrez is set to make his playing comeback after overcoming testicular cancer.
The 31-year-old Argentine midfielder, last played for the Magpies against Cardiff City on October 2, 2013, but is now in line to face Aston Villa on Saturday in the Premier League.
Gutierrez, who is out of contract at the end of the season, looked unlikely to feature again for Newcastle after holding talks with Velez Sarsfield last month but boss John Carver confirmed he still has a future at St. James Park.
He said: “I’m going to bring Jonas Gutierrez into the squad, and there’s a possibility he could be on the bench this weekend.
“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.”
Gutierrez was given the all-clear in November last year and returned to training on Tyneside in December.