Newcastle United are without their manager for this afternoon’s Premier League clash against Manchester United at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe was taken to hospital on Friday evening after suffering with illness. Assistant coach Jason Tindall, who has taken charge of training and media duties in the build-up to the game, will lead the team from the touchline alongside Graeme Jones.
“Eddie Howe will miss Newcastle United's Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday due to illness,” a club statement read. “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.”
Before Friday, Tindall had remained in constant dialogue with Howe. The team selected to face Man United will almost certainly have had Howe’s input.
Newcastle’s squad from the 3-0 win at Leicester City on Monday night will largely stay unchanged, with the exception of Anthony Gordon potentially returning.
The 24-year-old hasn’t featured for his club since receiving a straight red card in the FA Cup fifth round defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on March 2. He erved a three-match ban against West Ham United, Liverpool and Brentford before missing the 3-0 win at Leicester City on Monday night with a badly bruised thigh.
“He's had a decent week with the physios,” Tindall. “He was back out on grass for a pitch session yesterday [Thursday] so we'll assess him again today to see how he's responded to that session. And then we'll have to make a late call on whether he's available for the bench on Sunday.”
Here’s how Newcastle United are expected to line-up against Manchester United:
1. GK: Nick Pope
The debate over whether Pope or Martin Dubravka should start in goal feels like a long time ago. | Getty Images
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Form is temporary, class is permanent. Trippier’s last few performances have reminded everyone of that. | Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar
We still can’t believe it didn’t go in! That halfway shot against Leicester typifies why the former Switzerland international is such a unique defender. | AFP via Getty Images
4. CB: Dan Burn
Newcastle’s Mr Consistent. Burn has barely put a foot wrong this season and long may it continue. | Getty Images