Jonjo Shelvey last started a Newcastle United game in the Premier League way back in November.
The midfielder has struggled with a thigh injury throughout the campaign and played in just 767 Premier League minutes in a season in which he was supposed to be proving Gareth Southgate wrong after his World Cup snub.
But he has been unable to force his way into the Newcastle team despite a host of injury problems and a packed treatment room.
Shelvey was angry after the Everton game when he came on as sub and helped the team come back from 2-0 down to triumph 3-2.
However, even from that point Rafa Benitez has overlooked him.
As United head into the game against Crystal Palace, United have Sean Longstaff ruled out and Isaac Hayden and Mo Diame are doubtful for the clash.
DeAndre Yedlin is also a big doubt but Fabian Schar is back from a head injury sustained playing for Switzerland.
When asked if that meant Shelvey would be coming back into contention, Benitez said: "We have Schar, who is fine.
"He's available. (Sean) Longstaff is out.
"We have two or three other issues – Hayden, Diame, Yedlin have little problems."
When asked if Shelvey was back in contention, Benitez said: "If they don’t make it, then Jonjo will have a big chance.
"He's OK and training well.
"When he came in, he gave us something. I don’t know if he will start.
"I talked with him today.
"He says he's ready and wants to play.
"We have to decide on him.
"He's someone who loves football, and wants to play."
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