Gutierrez ‘could return in January’, claims Newcastle boss Pardew

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has revealed midfielder Jonas Gutierrez could be back in the first-team as soon as January, after winning his battle with testicular cancer.

The 31-year-old Argentina international made a welcome return to action for the Magpies’ Under-21s side on Monday afternoon, his first match since April following surgery and chemotherapy.

And Pardew, while admitting he still has a way to go, was delighted to announce the St James’ Park favourite is well on his way to making a comeback.

"It's been a long, long road with the diagnosis he had, so we're overjoyed,” said the Toon chief.

“We had lots of media wanting to have a piece of that game, but we're trying to give him some space to get back to his best. He's working his way towards that.

"I don't think he'll feature in this Christmas period, but certainly by the end of January and into February, I think he'll be looking to push on.

"He is fit, it's just getting used to the ball again, seeing a game scenario and getting back up to speed. Where he's at, he's actually physically fine. I don't think it'll take him too long - maybe even quicker than I'm suggesting."