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Pardew's Delight At Jonas Return
Written by Newcastle Utd
Alan Pardew is delighted to have Jonas Gutierrez back on Tyneside, after the midfielder returned to training
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Alan Pardew is delighted to have Jonas Gutierrez back on Tyneside, after the Argentine midfielder returned to training last week.
Gutierrez has been receiving treatment for testicular cancer in his homeland but, having been given the all-clear recently, resumed training with his Magpies teammates on Friday.
And Pardew revealed he expects the 31-year-old to be up to speed with the demands of top flight football within the next month.
"Jonas is one of those people who livens up the training ground just with his personality," said Pardew.
"We are really pleased to have him back. He's finding his feet a little bit and hasn't really been around the ball much, but he's in pretty good shape.
"We hope that in two or three weeks he can be back in and around it.
"He is keen to get back in and amongst it, and earn his right to play in the first team, like any player here.
"I have to give him an even keel in terms of access to the first team, and he will get that. Now it is up to Jonas.
"But I know one thing - it will be emotional for him and us when he returns, and we are looking forward to it."