Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has been diagnosed with Pneumonia but is recovering well after being admitted to hospital on Friday.
The Toon chief has not been in training since the win over Leicester City last Monday and missed the victory over Manchester United at St James’ Park. Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones have been placed in caretaker charge for the next couple of games, starting with Crystal Palace on Wednesday and then away to Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
A club statement read: “Newcastle United can announce that Eddie Howe is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.
Eddie Howe said: “A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family.
“I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me. I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”
Speaking about the absence of Howe, assistant manager Jason Tindall, speaking in the aftermath of the 4-1 win over Man United, said: “Obviously in a moment like that when you leader’s not there, especially someone like Eddie it’s tough. We’ve worked together for 17 years and I don’t think he’s ever missed more than a day or two during that time.
“It’s only the second ever game that I’ve had to step in and fill those shows and both of them were here at Newcastle, Brentford and then again today, so that just goes to show he must have been unwell to not be able to lead the team.
“But I’m super-proud and the most important thing for us today was to deliver a performance he’d be proud of, and the lads certainly did that.”
