Steve McClaren has revealed that Papiss Cisse could return to the Newcastle United first team soon, just days after he was ruled out for around three months.

McClaren said last week that Cisse would probably need surgery on a groin problem and that it would rule him out for most of the rest of the season.

However, after taking another opinion on the problem, Cisse has returned to the training field and has been running freely.

"Papiss has been out on the field running and as long as he keeps running, he could be back training next week," McClaren told reporters.

"On medical advice, we are letting him rehabilitate and he is progressing very quickly in that rehab. There may come a point where he breaks down or he comes right the way through and he is fit. It is that kind of injury.

"He is progressing well and he is on course to join us midweek. Hopefully we will see him soon."

Cisse will not feature at Watford in the FA Cup third round tomorrow, but could return against Manchester United on Tuesday.