Jonas Gutierrez could make 1st Premier League appearance since overcoming cancer

A scene that seemed unimaginable a few months ago could take place at St. James' Park on Saturday as Newcastle manager John Carver is including Jonas Gutierrez in his squad for his side's fixture against Aston Villa.

Gutierrez, who announced in September that 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 all-clear from cancer.

"Jonas Gutierrez is in the squad," Carver said, according to BBC Sport. "There's a possibility he could be on the bench and that's a massive lift for everyone."

Former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew had told Gutierrez to search for a new club, as the Velez Sarsfield product's contract expires at the end of the season. But with Pardew now at Crystal Palace and Carver managing Newcastle, Gutierrez appears to have a better chance of remaining at St. James' Park.