The midfielder - who was at the centre of an elbow storm involving Robin van Persie during Newcastle's 3-0 home defeat to Manchester United at the weekend - is also a doubt for Les Bleus' crucial World Cup qualifying clash against Spain in Madrid next Tuesday.
Head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed that the 26-year-old former Lille star sat out Tuesday's training session due to abdominal pains and is unlikely to make an appearance at the Stade de France.
The news is sure to worry Alan Pardew as the Magpies face arch-rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light next Sunday afternoon.
"Yohan is still in discomfort and has slight abdominal pains," said Deschamps.
"He'll still train separately today (Wednesday) and it's probable that he won't start the match (against Japan)."