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Jonas Gutierrez could be handed an "emotional" final game for Newcastle to celebrate beating cancer.

The Argentina star is back training on Tyneside and working on his fitness.

Boss Alan Pardew says he is in good shape, despite a year long health scare that included an operation for testicular cancer.

Gutierrez is a few weeks away from joining the first team but has livened up the training ground with his personality, and has had a warm welcome.

Pardew said: "Now it is up to Jonas. I know one thing: it will be emotional for him, and for us, when he does return. We are all looking forward to it."

If Gutierrez, whose contract ends this summer, recovers his match fitness he is certain to be handed at least a late substitute appearance before the end of the season at St James's Park.

(Image: Getty)

Pardew added: "Jonas is one of those people who livens up the training ground just by his personality. Of course, with him recovering from his illness, that's been magnified.

“We are really pleased to have him back. He is finding his feet a little bit. He hasn't been around the ball much, but he looks in pretty good shape. We hope in two or three weeks, he will be in and around us.

“He is keen to get back in amongst us and earn his right to play in the first team again.

“Like any player, I have got to give him an even keel, and he will get that."

There will be no return to Newcastle for Hatem Ben Arfa who has fallen out with Hull boss Steve Bruce, while on loan.

The French winger could have his contract, which ends in June, ca belle and Pardew said: "He won't be coming back here, that's all I can say.”