Archive
Gutierrez In Squad For Villa Clash
Written by Newcastle Utd
Jonas Gutierrez could be named among the United substitutes to face Aston Villa this weekend
By Emily Bulmer
Jonas Gutierrez could be named among the Newcastle United substitutes to face Aston Villa this weekend - in what would be his first appearance since overcoming testicular cancer.
The Argentine has not kicked a ball for the Magpies' first-team since October 2013, but head coach John Carver revealed the 31-year-old is in his squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture (3pm kick-off).
And Carver has no qualms in calling on the services of Gutierrez, if needed.
"Some good news for the Club is that I'm going to bring Jonas back into the squad and he may be on the bench," he explained.
"That's a huge lift for him and for the Club, and especially for the fans, as I know how much he is liked.
"My situation with Jonas is that if I need to use him, I will definitely use him. I know there have been rumours out there about the board picking him but I make the football decisions and I will pick him when I think the time is right.
"That's why I've included him in the squad for this weekend, with a good chance of him being on the bench, I'm sure the fans would give him a great reception."
Carver also revealed that Daryl Janamaat is fit to face the Villans, after the right-back was withdrawn midway through the second half at Manchester City last weekend.
"Daryl is fine," he said.
"We actually took him off at the weekend to protect him as a bit of a precaution, but he has been training normally and he's had a good week."
Tickets for Saturday's Barclays Premier League home fixture against Aston Villa are still available. To secure your seat, click here.