Skipper Fabricio Coloccini and Cheick Tiote, who will play as they are suspended for Sunday's Premier League clash with West Ham, were also included.
The Argentinian will begin a three-match ban at the weekend after being sent off for an ugly challenge on Liverpool's Luis Suarez which drew concerted criticism from some quarters.
Pardew: "I am not bothered about anybody else's criticism. In my book, he is a fantastic captain and a player who has carried the mantle of captain here with great honour.
"One tackle mistimed, whether you think intentional or not - some angles suggest that it isn't, actually, in my view - should not stain what has been a fantastic period for him.
"That's why he is back in the Argentina squad too."