Jonas Gutierrez named to Newcastle's bench for 1st time since overcoming cancer

A familiar face will return to St. James' Park on Saturday as Jonas Gutierrez will start on Newcastle's bench for their fixture versus Aston Villa.

Gutierrez, who announced in September he was battling testicular cancer, last took the pitch in a Premier League match in April, when he was on loan at Norwich City.

The centre-back's last appearance for Newcastle's senior side came over a year ago. However, he marked his return to action as an overage player in the club's Under-21 side in December, one month after being given the medical all-clear.

Manager John Carver announced Thursday that Gutierrez would be in the squad, and a wild reception is likely in store for the Argentine defender should he take the pitch as a substitute against Villa.