... "Gutierrez is back to his old self – and the decision if he plays against Aston Villa is down to me."
So what happened on Wednesday to make Jonas "fit again"?
Or perhaps Carver got a phone call from those in high places telling him to include Jonas in the squad.
Make your own mind up on that one, because someone is pulling Carver's strings ... and I don't believe a word that he says about who picks the players.
Gutierrez is set to make an emotional return to first-team action as Newcastle United take on Aston Villa at St James’s Park.
The 31-year-old is “almost certain” to be named on the bench, and it will be his first involvement with the senior team since beating testicular cancer last year.
Carver said earlier this week that Gutierrez was not ready for a return to action, while the Argentina international suggested it was a “board decision” as to whether he would make a comeback, with suggestions he is just eight appearances away from triggering a contract extension.
However, Carver insists the decision is his and his alone, and after impressing in training, Gutierrez will now be brought back into the fold.
Carver said: “He’s had another good week, Tuesday and particularly yesterday, so he’s in the squad and will almost certainly be on the bench.
“I know all the rumours have been out there about whether it’s Mike (Ashley’s) or Lee (Charnley’s) decision, but let me tell you, and let me put the record straight, I’ve had no conversations with either of them about Jonas, because I’m the one who picks the team.
“I don’t know why (Jonas) said what he did, but we’ve had the conversation now and I’ve put the record straight.
“I will be the one who decides if he is ready for it, and he is ready to go on the bench now.
“Me and Steve Stone spoke about him on Monday and the time being right for him to return now.
“I had a conversation with Jonas yesterday morning. He came in to see me and we both agreed that the time is right for him.”