Alan Pardew's side have been beset by injuries in recent weeks but the outlook is improving significantly and the manager says several other key men will also be back at the weekend.
Cabaye has been on the sidelines since November after having groin surgery but he has returned to full training this week and could play some part at Carrow Road.
"The good news is we are taking Cabaye on the bus, which is like signing a new player," said Pardew.
"I don't think he's really ready to start, if I'm honest. I think his role will be off the bench, if the situation evolves where we need him.
"Yohan is a great player and has lifted everybody this week, just in terms of picking passes out in training.
"It's just nice to have some senior players out there working hard and just his inclusion is going to give everyone a huge lift."
The Magpies were short of numbers for Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup loss at Brighton but forward Papiss Cisse, defender Fabricio Coloccini and winger Jonas Gutierrez are now back in contention, as well as Cabaye.
"Papiss and Colo are both fit as well, so they will be in and around the team, and we certainly look a lot stronger than the unfortunate situation we were in last week," said Pardew.
"Steven Taylor will be ready for Reading (on 19 January) and Cabaye will certainly be ready for Reading. Jonas is fit and he will be available for Norwich, so we are getting some senior bodies back at a crucial time."
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