The popular right-back lasted just 22 minutes of last weekend's 2-1 derby win over Bolton having suffered a dead-leg during a hefty challenge from Kevin Davies.
But with another 11 days of treatment and training until the visit of the Magpies, Paul Jewell is confident he will play.
The Latics manager told the Evening Post: "Pascal is certainly still sore.
"When I prodded his thigh yesterday to see how he was, the boy had to peel himself off the ceiling!
"But he's recovering and will be fit by the time we play Newcastle, I'm sure of that.
"However, I thought young Ryan Taylor came through the game with flying colours after replacing Pascal.
"It's always difficult being thrown into a game like that and having to pick up the pace, but Ryan did exceptionally well."
Chimbonda has really made himself at home in the Latics team since his summer move from Bastia, becoming a firm favourite with the fans.
So there was obvious concern when he limped off on Sunday, having tried to soldier on for a few minutes after Davies' challenge which surprisingly went unpunished.
Also on the fitness front, Lee McCulloch has allayed fears that he is doubtful for Scotland's World Cup qualifier against Belarus at Hampden Park on Saturday.
The midfielder is needing pain-killing injections to get through games after straining the medial ligament in his knee in pre-season.
But he joined up with the Scotland squad at their Loch Lomond base last night and thinks he should be able to train as normal for the rest of the week.
McCulloch said: "I've not had any reaction from the Bolton game and the knee is no different to how it has been all season.
"I travelled to Scotland on Monday and didn't train that day, but I should be all right to join in with the lads today.
"I'll have a word with the coach and medical staff about it and see what happens after that."
The likely scenario is McCulloch will be available for Saturday's game and then a new assessment on his fitness will be made before Wednesday's visit to Slovenia.
Meanwhile, Jewell has revealed he has turned down a bid by Ipswich to take Alan Mahon to Portman Road on loan.
And he's reacted strongly to reports that he criticised the midfielder in public following his display in the Carling Cup against Bournemouth.
A Sunday newspaper claimed Latics were happy to loan him out because of the disappointment over his form.
Jewell said: "I don't criticise players publicly and I've spoken with Alan about it after what was reported.
"After the Bournemouth game I said some of the players didn't do themselves any favours, but I would never mention names.
"I think someone has been a bit mischievous – Alan is very much part of the squad here.
"There was an enquiry from Ipswich to loan him, but I said 'no' and that's the end of it as far as I'm concerned.
"There might be one or two who go out on loan, but I would be quite happy to keep everyone here."
Mahon was expected to feature in tonight's reserve game against Newcastle at the Robin Park Arena as David Lowe's side look for their first win of the season.
But with another 11 days of treatment and training until the visit of the Magpies, Paul Jewell is confident he will play.
The Latics manager told the Evening Post: "Pascal is certainly still sore.
"When I prodded his thigh yesterday to see how he was, the boy had to peel himself off the ceiling!
"But he's recovering and will be fit by the time we play Newcastle, I'm sure of that.
"However, I thought young Ryan Taylor came through the game with flying colours after replacing Pascal.
"It's always difficult being thrown into a game like that and having to pick up the pace, but Ryan did exceptionally well."
Chimbonda has really made himself at home in the Latics team since his summer move from Bastia, becoming a firm favourite with the fans.
So there was obvious concern when he limped off on Sunday, having tried to soldier on for a few minutes after Davies' challenge which surprisingly went unpunished.
Also on the fitness front, Lee McCulloch has allayed fears that he is doubtful for Scotland's World Cup qualifier against Belarus at Hampden Park on Saturday.
The midfielder is needing pain-killing injections to get through games after straining the medial ligament in his knee in pre-season.
But he joined up with the Scotland squad at their Loch Lomond base last night and thinks he should be able to train as normal for the rest of the week.
McCulloch said: "I've not had any reaction from the Bolton game and the knee is no different to how it has been all season.
"I travelled to Scotland on Monday and didn't train that day, but I should be all right to join in with the lads today.
"I'll have a word with the coach and medical staff about it and see what happens after that."
The likely scenario is McCulloch will be available for Saturday's game and then a new assessment on his fitness will be made before Wednesday's visit to Slovenia.
Meanwhile, Jewell has revealed he has turned down a bid by Ipswich to take Alan Mahon to Portman Road on loan.
And he's reacted strongly to reports that he criticised the midfielder in public following his display in the Carling Cup against Bournemouth.
A Sunday newspaper claimed Latics were happy to loan him out because of the disappointment over his form.
Jewell said: "I don't criticise players publicly and I've spoken with Alan about it after what was reported.
"After the Bournemouth game I said some of the players didn't do themselves any favours, but I would never mention names.
"I think someone has been a bit mischievous – Alan is very much part of the squad here.
"There was an enquiry from Ipswich to loan him, but I said 'no' and that's the end of it as far as I'm concerned.
"There might be one or two who go out on loan, but I would be quite happy to keep everyone here."
Mahon was expected to feature in tonight's reserve game against Newcastle at the Robin Park Arena as David Lowe's side look for their first win of the season.