The midfielder missed last weekend’s 6-1 defeat to Manchester City with a hamstring problem.
And head coach Steve McClaren – whose winless side is bottom of the Premier League – is hopeful that Colback will be available for the home match against Norwich on October 18.
McClaren fielded Yoan Gouffran as a defensive midfielder in the 6-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium with Cheick Tiote having been short of fitness after his recent lay-off.
Colback – who suffered the injury in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea last month – must stay out of the referee’s notebook if he does play against Norwich.
The 25-year-old is a booking away from a one-game ban, having been shown four yellow cards already this season.
And he would miss the Wear-Tyne derby against former club Sunderland at the Stadium of Light with a booking against Norwich.