Former Argentina international Jonas Gutierrez's discrimination case against Premier League club Newcastle United will begin on Tuesday, a person familiar with the proceedings has told The Associated Press.
Gutierrez, 32, is suing Newcastle for £2 million over the way he was treated after his battle against testicular cancer, according to the AP source speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to discuss the case publicly.
The case is due to be heard at an employment tribunal in Birmingham.
Gutierrez has made the claim for disability discrimination under the 2010 Equality Act, alleging Newcastle deliberately managed his selection in the final year of his deal in the 2014-15 season so he would not reach a certain amount of appearances that would trigger a new one-year contract. Newcastle chose to not offer him a new deal.
Gutierrez returned to action midway through that season after undergoing successful chemotherapy treatment. The winger forced his way back into the Newcastle team and scored in their final match of the campaign, helping preserve Newcastle's Premier League status.
Newcastle signed Gutierrez from Real Mallorca in 2008, and he scored 12 times in 205 appearances. He was one of several first-team players at the time to remain with the club despite their relegation to the Championship in 2009 and helped them win promotion at the first attempt.
Gutierrez is currently approaching the end of a one-year deal with Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna.
Newcastle are once again battling to avoid relegation from the top flight this season, with Sunday's 1-1 draw against local rivals Sunderland leaving the Magpies 19th in the table, three points from safety with just eight matches to play.