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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be absent from the touchline for Sunday’s Premier League encounter with Manchester United after being admitted to hospital late Friday night due to an undisclosed illness.
The 47-year-old, who had reportedly been feeling unwell throughout the week following Monday’s win over Leicester City, was taken in for medical tests and is not expected to be discharged until at least Sunday. Howe is understood to still be undergoing tests, though he remains conscious and in communication with his family, according to a club statement released Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle confirmed that the manager is receiving expert medical care and added: “Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery. Further updates will follow in due course.”
Howe’s assistant managers, Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones, will oversee the match in his absence. Tindall, who stepped in for Howe during Friday’s press conference, admitted that his colleague’s illness was unexpected, calling it “unusual” for the typically tireless coach to miss work. Despite being confined to bed, Howe reportedly maintained regular contact with staff, calling “three or four times a day” to stay involved in match preparations.
This isn’t the first time Tindall has led the side in Howe’s absence. The pair’s first match in charge of Newcastle, a 3-3 draw against Brentford in November 2021, saw Tindall on the sidelines after Howe tested positive for COVID-19.
Howe’s absence comes at a crucial point in Newcastle’s season. The club dropped to seventh place in the Premier League standings on Saturday, trailing Aston Villa and Chelsea in the race for European qualification. They face Manchester United on Sunday before hosting Crystal Palace midweek and traveling to face Villa next weekend.
The timing is particularly unfortunate given Howe’s recent success. Just last month, he guided the Magpies to their first major domestic trophy in 70 years, lifting the Carabao Cup with a win over Liverpool at Wembley. Since taking the reins at Newcastle in November 2021, the Amersham-born manager has overseen 165 matches, with a strong record of 84 wins, 36 draws, and 45 losses. His tenure has also included a memorable Champions League campaign, highlighted by a win over Paris Saint-Germain, although the club did not advance beyond the group stage.
For now, Newcastle’s focus turns to the upcoming fixtures and securing a place in next season’s European competitions — all while hoping for their manager’s swift and full recovery.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay / jorono, Instagram / @nufc
