He is being assessed after returning from the African Cup of Nations with a knee injury.
However, the midfielder’s campaign could well be over.
He has been "injured" for most of the season, but always managed to play for his country, causing a major bust up with then-manager Alan Pardew.
However, the Ivory Coast international DID miss the African Cup of Nations final because of the injury, and medical staff said he is likely to be sidelined for as many as 10 weeks.
The 28-year-old admitted he was “unsettled” at St James’s Park – and could have played his last game for the club.
The club rejected a bid for Tiote from an unnamed club last summer.