He missed a midweek international trip because of a groin injury he suffered during last weekend's draw with Wolves.
He has not trained this week.
Carver says the Senegal international is struggling to understand him but he will soon understand the ferver on Sunday when he walks out at St James' Park.
John Carver: "He should be okay.
"He had a problem with his groin, he hasn't trained yet.
"He didn't train on Wednesday and I think the fortunate thing is that we have the extra day with the game being on Sunday. But fingers crossed he should be okay.
"I know a lot of people have asked whether the foreign lads will know about the derby. Don't worry, we'll make sure they do.
"We've got a few new additions, Papiss in particular. He's finding it hard enough to understand what I'm saying at the minute, no matter what this game means.
"By the time we get to Sunday he'll have a good idea, don't worry about that."