United take on Chelsea on Saturday looking to draw a line under the club’s Tyne-Wear derby defeat last weekend.
But stand-in captain Tiote suffered an injury in training early this week.
The midfielder’s problem is being assessed ahead Newcastle’s visit to west London.
United manager Alan Pardew is already without leading scorer Loic Remy, who will serve the second game of a three-match ban for his dismissal against Norwich City last month.
And skipper Fabricio Coloccini, sidelined since New Year’s Day with a knee problem, is unlikely to be fit to face Jose Mourinho’s side, though forward Yoan Gouffran is expected to return from injury.
Winger Gabriel Obertan is also fit and available after a recent lay-off.