Argentina have recalled Newcastle United defender Fabricio Coloccini after a two-year absence.

Coloccini has been called up for Argentina's friendly with Germany in Frankfurt, and Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is delighted for his club captain.

Pardew told the club's official website: "We all know at Newcastle how good he is and he should never of been out of the Argentina squad.

"It is difficult for us as he is obviously going to have to do a lot more travelling but on a personal level, I'm absolutely delighted for him."

Coloccini signed for Newcastle from Deportivo La Coruna in 2008.