Jonas set for Toon return after all-clear

IN September he revealed his battle with testicular cancer to the world. In October, still without any hair amid his chemotherapy treatment, he completed the Buenos Aires Marathon. But now, having this week been given the all- clear, Jonas Gutierrez is preparing for a return to the Barclays Premier League.

In fact, the Newcastle winger should be back on Tyneside training within a month. And that, says manager Alan Pardew, will provide a huge tonic to his players and backroom team.

‘It is massive news for the squad and will give everyone a boost. He’s a bubbly character and much-loved in our dressing room,’ said Pardew.

Gutierrez ( right) had a testicle removed in October of last year and returned to join Norwich City on loan in January. A check-up at the start of the summer, however, revealed inflammation in his groin area and the 31-year-old underwent a course of chemotherapy.

It was only two months ago that he spoke of his illness for the first time during an interview in his native Argentina, but last month he completed the 26.2-mile marathon in the country’s capital to raise funds for a cancer charity.

A return to competitive action may have to wait until 2015, but Pardew says having Gutierrez back in training is a victory in itself.

‘From where he’s been, in terms of that particular illness, just for him to be back on the training ground will be really terrific,’ he said.

‘Let’s not look beyond that at the moment. Colo (Fabricio Coloccini) tells me he is in good form and we’re all looking forward to seeing him.’

Pardew takes his Newcastle side to West Brom tomorrow on the back of four straight victories which have lifted the Magpies to 12th.