It puts manager Alan Pardew on the spot because he has lost midfielder Yohan Cabaye to a groin problem for up to six weeks, and Gutierrez could be asked to play in the centre of midfield.
Many fans were shocked to hear the Argentina international say the central midfield position was his favourite position - when he has spent his time at Newcastle playing wide in defence, midfield and attack.
Pardew tried him central at Goodison Park earlier in the season, and the player looked like a lost soul and the tractics had to be changed later in the game.
Gutierrez has many strengths, but passing is the least of them, and he is no Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard.
But in this mini injury crisis - "needs must".
Alan Pardew: “It was really touch and go with him (for Swansea).
“We had a tough week, and it was a tough call on Jonas.
“Jonas had an injury where we thought we could not risk losing him, especially after learning we’d lost Cabaye.
“We made that call. We think he’ll be OK for Thursday, and hopefully for Sunday at Southampton.
“Cheik Tiote looked like his old self, and I thought Vurnon Anita did well too.
“There were positives, and we have to take that into the next game.
“Hatem may not have scored or created the goal, but he did threaten a lot.
“You have to say that he had some lovely moments in the game.”