The Frenchman sustained a groin injury on international duty and it appears the player may be out for longer than expected.
Alan Pardew: "Cabaye looks like he could be out four to six weeks.
"Cabaye might possibly have to have a little surgery on that groin.
"It could be we run all the way to the end of January before I have my first team to pick from.
"Cheick Tiote is likely to be involved in African Nations Cup duty with Ivory Coast, so when Cabaye comes back, Cheick will be gone.
"You have seasons when you lose players and you have to be able to cope with it.
"If I had everybody available then losing Cabaye would not be such a blow.
"At the minute we cannot afford to lose anybody."