Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will miss Sunday’s match with Manchester United after being admitted to hospital with an illness.
Howe had not felt well enough to oversee training this week, and assistant Jason Tindall took the Magpies boss’ weekly press conference on Friday.
Tindall had expressed confidence Howe would be in the dugout at St James’ Park for a crucial game in Newcastle’s challenge for Champions League football.
But it will instead be Tindall and Graeme Jones who will attempt to lead Newcastle to a first league double over the Red Devils since the 1930-31 season.
A Newcastle statement 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 can move back into the Champions League places with a victory over Ruben Amorim’s side, having won 2-0 at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture.
Howe led Newcastle to their first major trophy for 56 years last month when they beat Liverpool 2-1 in the EFL Cup final.
