The Argentine centre-back is set to return to action at Tottenham on Sunday after missing four matches with a groin problem, a run of games that included a 2-0 victory over Chelsea last time out.
And, while admitting it would be a tough decision to leave Mapou-Yanga-Mbiwa or Mike Williamson out of his starting XI, Pardew insisted he could not overlook his fit-again captain.
"Colo's been a brilliant player for this football club - one of the players we’ve got that could go into the top teams," he told the Shields Gazette.
"It’s very important that he’s back. He’s in good shape. That’s a boost for us, for sure.
“It’s a tough decision. The most important thing is we pay tribute to the boys since he’s been out.
"I thought they were terrific against Man City (in the club’s 2-0 Capital One Cup defeat) and they followed that up with the Chelsea performance. They’re two top teams.
"You have to say they’ve done great."
