Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is set for a period out after being diagnosed with pneumonia.
The Toon boss missed his team’s 4-1 dismantling of Manchester United at St James’ Park, watching the game from hospital.
Howe was expected to make the match, but his condition didn’t improve, and he decided to get checked out.
It has since been confirmed that Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will take charge of the team for Newcastle’s game-in-hand against Crystal Palace as the race for the Champions League heats up.
When will Eddie Howe return to the dugout?
It has been confirmed that Howe will definitely be absent for Newcastle’s games against Palace and Aston Villa.
Beyond that, it is unclear.
Howe is obsessed with his work, which is one of the reasons the Magpies have improved so much under his guidance, so he’ll want to get back as soon as possible.
However, the recovery from pneumonia is not straightforward.
The NHS website states that most people fully recover in two to four weeks.
Full recovery would mean all symptoms are gone, but Howe could return before that if he feels up to it.
As a result, Newcastle United‘s home game against Ipswich on Saturday, April 26 would be a possible return date for Howe.
But perhaps a more likely one would be their trip to the south coast to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, May 4.
In a statement released via the club, Howe said: “A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family.
“I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me. I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, assistant Newcastle manager Tindall urged Howe not to to rush back.
Speaking ahead of facing Crystal Palace, Tindall said: “He’s in the best possible hands and he’ll be back as soon as he feels he’s ready to come back.
“Your health is the most important thing, that’s why it’s so important that when he comes back he is able to lead the team as we know he does, which I’m sure he will do.”
