Newcastle United suffer blow as Premier League rules key man out of Brighton clash

Eddie Howe is set to be thrust right back into action against Brighton and Hove Albion - after assistant Jason Tindall picked up a Premier League ban.

Tindall was walking a disciplinary tightrope heading into the Ipswich Town clash, and with just over an hour on the clock referee Michael Salisbury trotted over to the touchline and showed the United man a yellow card. It was his third of the Premier League season. And as a result, he will now have to serve a one-game touchline ban, which will be served on the south coast next Sunday.

Head coach Howe was back on the touchline having missed the last three games after hospitalisation with pneumonia. But he largely played a secondary role during the game, with Tindall barking out the orders. That will all change down at the Amex, though, with Tindall now out.

Speaking about his potential ban before the game, Tindall said: “I can. It's not often that I do pick up any cards. I know this season,obviously, I've picked up two yellow cards. I thought they were both probably a little bit harsh, but then I'm going to say that, aren't I? Yeah, of course. I've got a good relationship with the officials and I've got to be on my best behaviour.”

Howe was absent for the Magpies’ wins against Manchester United and Crystal Palace at St James’ Park, and also the loss at Aston Villa last week.