Magpies' head coach Steve McClaren feared he had suffered a major blow last week when he revealed that the Senegal international could be facing surgery on a groin problem and a lengthy lay-off just when he needed it least with the club in the throes of a desperate fight against relegation from the Barclays Premier League.
However, after taking a third opinion on the injury, which struck during the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on December 19, Cisse is back running and could resume training with the rest of the squad imminently.
McClaren said: "Papiss has been out on the field running and as long as he keeps running, he could be back training next week.
"On medical advice, we are letting him rehabilitate and he is progressing very quickly in that rehab. There may come a point where he breaks down or he comes right the way through and he is fit. It is that kind of injury.
"He is progressing well and he is on course to join us midweek. Hopefully we will see him soon."