NEWCASTLE have confirmed that head coach Eddie Howe is recovering from pneumonia.
The 47-year-old was admitted to hospital on Friday night after missing his pre-match press conference due to illness.
He subsequently missed Sunday’s match against Manchester United at St James’ Park with his assistant, Jason Tindall, leading the team instead.
And now the Magpies have confirmed that Howe remains in hospital with pneumonia.
A club statement confirmed that he will miss upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa while he continues his recovery.
The statement read: “Newcastle United can announce that Eddie Howe is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.
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“The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery.
“Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa this week, with further updates to be communicated in due course.”
In his own statement, Howe thanked the hospital staff who continue to care for him.
He 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.
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“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.”
Bruno Guimaraes dedicated Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Manchester United to Howe on Sunday.
He explained: “When we went to the pitch we said, ‘We’ll play for him’.
“He’s been unbelievable for us. We missed him on the training ground.
“Hopefully it gave him happiness and he’s back for the next game. It’s been a tough week for him.”
Meanwhile, Harvey Barnes added: “He’s on the road to recovery, hopefully. He’s so influential throughout the week.
“We knew that we had a job to do without him. We said before the game we had to put a smile on his face.”
Howe could potentially return to the dugout for Newcastle’s clash with Ipswich next Saturday.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
