Newcastle confirm Eddie Howe diagnosis in fresh medical update | OneFootball

Newcastle United have confirmed that Eddie Howe is suffering from pneumonia and will miss at least two more matches while he recovers in hospital.

Howe was forced to seek medical treatment last week after feeling unwell for several days. The popular Newcastle boss was said to be conscious and in conversation with his family while watching his Magpies romp to a 4-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

In a statement on Newcastle's official website, the club wrote: "Newcastle United can announce that Eddie Howe is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia. The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery.

"Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa this week, with further updates to be communicated in due course."

Jason Tindall took up the reins in Eddie Howe's absence on Sunday / Stu Forster/GettyImages

Howe also offered his first statement since being admitted into hospital: "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."

Tindall assumed centre stage for the humbling of Manchester United at St James' Park and will once again take up the reins for Wednesday's visit from an in-form Crystal Palace and a tricky trip to Villa Park next Saturday. Howe's long-term assistant claimed that Newcastle's thumping win "lifted his spirits".

"Eddie and I have been working together for 17 years and I don't think he's ever missed more than a day or two in that time," Tindall added after Sunday's fixture. "I had a text message from Eddie before the game that he put his trust in myself to do what I thought was right. I sent him a couple of messages today to say that he was hugely missed. He's one of the best managers there is."

Newcastle would climb up to third place if they avoid defeat against Palace at St James' Park in midweek with just six matches remaining in an increasingly competitive race for Champions League qualification.