Eddie Howe latest as Newcastle United set to issue official update ahead of Ipswich Town clash

Newcastle United are set to provide an official update on Eddie Howe this week.

The Magpies have been without their head coach for the last three Premier League matches after he was hospitalised with pneumonia. Assistant coach Jason Tindall has taken charge in his absence.

Newcastle beat Manchester United and Crystal Palace at St James’ Park to move up to third in the Premier League table, however have since dropped to fourth after the 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday. There are five games left to play this season with United hoping to finish inside the top five and secure Champions League qualification.

But there are currently no guarantees that Howe will be back in the dugout before the end of the campaign. The club’s last official update revealed the 47-year-old would miss the Palace and Villa matches but Tindall has said in press conferences that Howe will only return when he’s “100%”.

Newcastle are expected to provide an update on Howe ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Ipswich Town. In the meantime, Tindall is preparing to remain in charge.

“Until I'm told otherwise,” Tindall told reporters at Villa Park on Saturday. “Then obviously that's my duty and what I have to do. Obviously the most important thing for Ed is that he rests and he recovers, and I think the more he does that, the sooner he'll be able to come and lead the team again.”

‘No exact timeframe’ on Eddie Howe’s return

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace, Tindall admitted there is no exact timeframe on when Howe will return to work.

He said: “I think when health is involved, the most important thing is that comes first and foremost above everything else and I'm sure when Eddie does return he will probably ease himself in to the role but it's important that when he does come back he's able to lead the team like he always does and hopefully that soon

“It's a day-by-day thing, but he's in the best possible hands right now and as I say hopefully we can have him here as our leader as soon as possible but only when he's 100% right to do so.”

“No exact time frame, that's something that will be assessed day by day,” Tindall added. “It’s certainly not a question that I can answer. As we said, he's in the best possible hands in the hospital and everything will be guided by them and himself. And it'll just be a day-by-day thing.”

What has Eddie Howe said?

In the club’s last statement, Howe thanked everyone for their get well messages and the NHS for their expert case.

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."

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