Fabricio Coloccini nearing Newcastle United return

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has revealed that Fabricio Coloccini is closing in on a return to full fitness.

The Argentine defender, 32, has missed the Magpies' last seven matches due to a knee injury.

However, Coloccini could now feature for Newcastle on Sunday when they host Aston Villa in the Premier League.

"Colo's worked hard, and he's looking better," Pardew told the Shields Gazette. "He was in all weekend, so he's had four or five days."

Newcastle are currently in ninth place in the Premier League table.