Newcastle United have announced that manager Eddie Howe will miss Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester United at St James' Park after being admitted to hospital.
The 47-year-old was unable to attend Friday's pre-match press conference because of an unspecified illness, which prevented him from taking training sessions throughout the week, with assistant coach Jason Tindall standing in for media duties.
Tindall revealed that Howe had been feeling "really poorly" in the previous couple of days prior to the press conference, but he was hopeful that the Magpies boss would be fit to return to the dugout this weekend.
"He's been really poorly in the last couple of days but we've been in daily contact," said Tindall. "We've been speaking three or four times a day so it's not affected any of the preparations. We've still got a couple of days and I'm sure he'll be fine for the weekend.
"It's not very often that's he unable to come to work and it's a bit different (not having him around the training ground) but it's only been a couple of days."
However, Howe was taken to hospital on Friday evening and stayed overnight to undergo tests having felt unwell for a number of days.
Newcastle have since confirmed that Howe is conscious and continues to receive expert medical care, but he will remain in hospital for further assessments.
© Imago
Howe 'conscious and talking' in hospital but will miss Man United clash
A statement released on the Magpies' official website read: "Eddie Howe will miss Newcastle United's Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday due to illness.
"The Magpies' head coach was admitted to hospital late on Friday evening having felt unwell for a number of days.
"Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing. He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care.
"Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery, and further updates will follow in due course.
"Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team at St James' Park on Sunday, supported by the club's first team staff."
Newcastle have slipped to seventh in the Premier League table following victories for both Manchester City and Aston Villa on Saturday, the former beating Crystal Palace 5-2 and the latter securing a 3-0 win over already-relegated Southampton.
However, the Magpies have two games in hand on both the Citizens in fourth and the Lions in fifth, and victory against Man United will see they climb back into the top five; they could rise to as high as fourth if sixth-placed Chelsea fail to beat Ipswich Town on Sunday.
Newcastle have won each of their last four games in all competitions, including the EFL Cup final, and they are now looking to complete their first league double over Man United since 1930-31 after winning 2-0 at Old Trafford in December.
Oliver Thomas
