This is how Eddie Howe could return for Newcastle United against Arsenal

Newcastle United would love to see Eddie Howe in the dugout at the Emirates Stadium
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Eddie Howe is chomping at the bit to fully return to Newcastle United following his Covid-19 blow.

Here, we take a look at the current situation surrounding the former Bournemouth boss and what needs to happen for him to be at Arsenal on Saturday:

Why was Eddie Howe absent from St James’ Park against Brentford?

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Howe was forced to miss the visit of Brentford – his first game as Newcastle head coach – after testing positive for Covid-19 during a routine test on Friday.

The 43-year-old was still heavily involved in the decision-making however as he watched a live feed from his hotel room.

He was in constant contact with first-team coach Stephen Purches – making the final call to introduce Ryan Fraser from the bench, who assisted Allan Saint-Maximin equaliser.

What did Eddie Howe say about missing the Brentford game?

Speaking about his absence on Friday evening, Howe said: ”I’d like to reassure everyone that I feel fine, and while this is unwelcome news for me, I know it hasn’t derailed our preparations for what is an important game.

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“I have been, and will be, in constant communication with my coaching team and the players, both tomorrow and during the week, and I know they will be giving everything on and off the pitch.”

Could Eddie Howe return to the dugout for Arsenal?

Newcastle assistant head coach Jason Tindall hopes Howe can return to the dugout for the trip to Arsenal.

“Hopefully, we can have Ed back before the Arsenal game,” Tindall said after the draw with Brentford.

“We’re just waiting on the doctor for that. That’s a little bit out of our hands and control. Ed will be a big influence on how we prepare.”

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For that to happen, Howe would need to display a negative Covid-19 test and determine when his symptoms first began.

Government guidelines state those who test positive for Covid-19 must self-isolate for 10 days, either from the result of the test or the day in which symptoms started.

What can Eddie Howe and Newcastle United do in the meantime?

Howe must stay in his hotel room until he is allowed to leave, Covid-19 permitting.

He can still phone or video call players, review footage plan sessions but it’s down to his backroom team Tindall, Perches, Simon Weatherstone and Graeme Jones to implement it.