Jonas Gutierrez has proudly skippered United in his absence this season, but he would rather the hugely influential Coloccini led Pardew’s side out at the Stadium of Shite.
Coloccini’s defensive partner Steven Taylor is also set to return.
Jonas Gutierrez: “Now hopefully Colo will be back.
"I love wearing the armband but Fabricio is our captain, I know that.
“We have to have these players fit, and it’s really important for us.
“We know that the players like Perchie (James Perch) and Willo (Mike Williamson) have been doing fantastic jobs.
“We know as well we don’t have a big squad, so we need all the players back.”