Eddie Howe was admitted to hospital on Friday evening with an undisclosed illness and the Newcastle United head coach will miss Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.
The 47-year-old felt unwell during the week and missed Friday’s pre-match press conference, with assistant head coach Jason Tindall instead facing the media.
Tindall had suggested that he expected Howe to be “fine for the weekend”, but Howe was kept in by medical staff overnight on Friday and, as of Saturday afternoon, he was still undergoing tests.
The exact nature of Howe’s illness is unclear, but the club has confirmed that Howe is conscious and has been able to speak with his family. He became the first Newcastle manager since 1969 to win silverware of any form, and the first since 1955 to lift a domestic trophy, when he led the club to victory in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool last month.
“He is conscious and talking with his family and is continuing to receive expert medical care,” Newcastle said in a statement. “Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery and further updates will follow in due course.”
Tindall led Newcastle for the first match of the Howe era, a 3-3 draw with Brentford in November 2021, after the head coach caught Covid-19. Alongside fellow assistant head coach Graeme Jones, Tindall will again step up in Howe’s absence.
Seventh-place Newcastle host Manchester United, in 13th, at St James’ Park at 4.30pm on Sunday, looking to strengthen their position in the race for Champions League qualification.
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