Newcastle United handed major Eddie Howe boost ahead of Arsenal trip

Eddie Howe will be in the Newcastle United dugout at Arsenal after returning a negative Covid-19 test on Friday morning.
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Newcastle United have confirmed Eddie Howe WILL be in the dugout for Saturday’s game at Arsenal after returning a negative Covid-19 test.

Howe missed the 3-3 draw with Brentford - his first game since being appointed as head coach - after testing positive last Friday.

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Government guidelines state that people who contract Covid-19 must isolate for 10 days from the date of the positive test – or when their symptoms began.

Indeed, Howe’s symptoms were traced back to last week.

Following a re-test this morning - which subsequently came back negative - Howe is free to make the trip to the Emirates after all protocols were followed.

What Jason Tindall said this morning

Jason Tindall, assistant head coach at Newcastle, revealed Howe had displayed symptoms this week but he’s keen to make a swift return.

Speaking ahead of Howe’s confirmed return, Tindall said: “From how Eddie was Sunday, Monday, Tuesday in comparison to how he is feeling now and the tone of his voice in the latter part of this week, there’s been a big difference.

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“He’s followed all the protocols. Now it’s down to Eddie and the medical professionals.

“Everyone that knows Ed, he’ll certainly want to be in the dugout (at Arsenal).

“Even if he was 20%, he’d want to be there, that’s for sure.”

A huge boost to have Eddie Howe back

The news that Howe will make the trip to the capital is excellent news for everyone associated with the club.

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After missing out on his St James’ Park welcome last week, the travelling Magpies fans will no doubt give the 43-year-old a heroes welcome - or at least something close to it.

“You want your leader. You want your manager with you,” Tindall said.

“We’ve missed him as a group of staff and I’m sure the players have missed their manager out on the grass, at the training ground and on the sidelines.

“We’re certainly looking forward to having him back. I’m sure the fans want the manager out there on the touchline.”

How Eddie Howe has kept in touch this week

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Although Howe has been stuck in his hotel room, Howe has been firmly involved by planning sessions, reviewing footage and speaking to players over the phone.

Tindall added: “It’s a lot more difficult when you’ve got the virus and have to isolate but then to do that in a hotel room is a lot more difficult.

“He sees training back every day. We video training every single day from multiple angles, which will then be sent to him in the afternoon.

“He’ll review that back, as we do as coaches, and analyse all the detail in that session and feedback what is necessary to the players the following day.

“Eddie’s been a big part of that. We know he’s a very hands-on manager and coach and he’s had that influence throughout the week in terms of the preparations for Arsenal.”