Bed-ridden Eddie Howe forced to pull out of Newcastle press conference after falling ill just days before Man Utd clash
EDDIE HOWE has been forced to pull out of Newcastle’s pre-match press conference with illness.
It comes as the Magpies prepare to take on Manchester United this weekend.
His assistant, Jason Tindall, will take the press conference instead.
Newcastle host the Red Devils at St James’ Park on Sunday.
It is currently unclear whether Howe will be in the dugout for the Premier League clash or not
A short statement from the club read: “Due to illness, please note that Jason Tindall will take this morning’s pre-match press conference as a replacement for Eddie Howe.”
Tindall gave an update on Howe while addressing the media on Friday morning.
He said: “He’s been really poorly. Bed-ridden. We’ve been in daily contact but it’s not affected any of the preparations.
“Still got a few days and hopefully he’ll be back for weekend.”
The Magpies last match saw them face Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday with Howe showing no signs of illness during the game.
They cruised to a 3-0 win over Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side thanks to an early brace from Jacob Murphy and a 34th-minute strike from Harvey Barnes.
Following the match, Howe said: “Impressive, but really professional as well in terms of the way that the players took the game.
“We stuck to our task, we were professional, really good to get a clean sheet, and three goals.
“I don’t think we were at our very best today.
“We certainly need an upturn in performance if we’re going to win the next three.”
Newcastle currently sit fifth in the Premier League table – in the Champions League positions.
England earned a fifth spot in Europe’s elite competition earlier this week following Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid.
A win on Sunday could take the Magpies above Chelsea and up to fourth.