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ESPN staff 9y

Jonas Gutierrez not yet ready for Newcastle return, says John Carver

Newcastle United boss John Carver insists he is open to the idea of handing Jonas Gutierrez an emotional return to the first team, but claims he must wait for the right time.

Gutierrez, 31, is back in contention at St James' Park after winning his battle with testicular cancer and last made a first-team appearance for the club back in October 2013 before moving to Norwich on loan where he last played in April 2014.

In December, the Argentina international played for Newcastle's under-21 side but Carver claims he does not want to put added pressure on the winger by bringing him back too early.

"A little bit of it is in his hands. He can play, but you know when you're ready to go at Premier League level," he said. "I am waiting for the right time and it's not right at the moment.

"I can see that on the training ground. He has come back from a serious situation and I'm not putting any pressure on him."

Carver would not be drawn on his plans for the midfielder, whether he would be a first-team regular or sent out on loan again.

"I don't know (if he will play again)," he added. "I'd like to think so. It's got to be right. He's got to get in the team, in his position.

"He has to compete to get on the left-hand side and there is a lot of competition there, more than we've had for a long time. At this moment in time, it's too early to say that. Let's see what happens as we get towards the end of the season."

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