Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has reportedly returned to the North East following a stint in Argentina.

The 31-year-old flew to his homeland in South America following a back injury, which left the defender with two small fractures.

While manager Alan Pardew previously claimed that Coloccini will be sidelined until May, the Daily Star reports that the centre-back will begin light training this week.

However, doubts over Coloccini's long-term future remain following the defender's revelation that he could return to South America for personal reasons.