Key Newcastle United figure absent from training ground ahead of Manchester United clash

Eddie Howe is expected to be in the dugout for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Manchester United (kick-off 4:30pm).

The Newcastle head coach has been suffering from illness this week which saw assistant Jason Tindall take over the pre-match press conference duty on Friday. Tindall revealed Howe has been “really, really poorly” in the last couple of days, leaving him “bedridden”.

In Howe’s absence, Tindall and the rest of his coaching staff have taken training at Benton but are preparing to welcome back their manager for Sunday’s encounter at St James’ Park.

Jason Tindall provides Eddie Howe illness update

“He's been really poorly in the last couple of days, been bedridden,” Tindall told reporters. “We've been in daily contact, we've been speaking probably three or four times a day, so it's not affected any of the preparations up until now. But we've still got a couple of days and I'm sure he'll be fine for the weekend.

“As you know yourselves, it's not very often that he is not able to come to work and when the manager is not there, obviously it's a bit different. But it's only been a couple of days and we've got such a great bunch of lads, fantastic attitudes and really good characters in there.

“They know the expectations, they know the demands and they know what they need to deliver to make sure they're fully prepared for the weekend.

“I'm not expecting him not to be available for Sunday. I think if it was a game that was maybe tomorrow, then potentially that might have been different. But obviously we've got the game on Sunday and I think the extra day certainly will help him and I'm sure he'll be there to lead the team.”

Jason Tindall previews Newcastle United v Manchester United

Newcastle host a Manchester United side who currently sit 13th in the Premier League table. By contrast, the Magpies are fifth - a position that will be enough to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

“Yes, we see it as another important game for us,” Tindall added. “I know no matter who Man Utd come up against, it's a big game there. A huge football club with big expectations. But we prepare the same for Man Utd as we did against Leicester so it's important that we go into that game.

“The lads know how important the game is. We've only eight games remaining and the importance of every result so hopefully it's going to be a good game. It's at St James' Park and a game that we're hoping to do well in and to go and deliver the performance we know we can to win the game.”

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