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:
5. LB: Tino Livramento
Being without Lewis Hall is a massive blow but it hasn’t felt that way, and that’s down to Livramento. | AFP via Getty Images
6. CM: Sandro Tonali
The Italian makes everything look so easy. What a player he has turned out to be despite an incredibly difficult start to life on Tyneside. | Getty Images
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
The Brazilian pulled the strings at Old Trafford earlier in the season and will be looking to do the same again on Sunday. | Getty Images
8. CM: Joelinton
Joelinton is carrying a knee issue but managed to come through unscathed against Leicester on Monday night. Is still just one yellow card away from serving a two-match ban. | Getty Images