Kieran Trippier and Harvey Barnes react to Eddie Howe update at Newcastle
Newcastle United players have responded after the club released a statement on social media regarding Eddie Howe’s recovery from illness.
The Magpies boss missed Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Manchester United at St James’ Park, having been taken ill on Friday, with assistant Jason Tindall taking charge as Newcastle put in a dominant display.
Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes’s goals either side of a second-half Harvey Barnes brace put the Red Devils to the sword on Tyneside, as Newcastle climbed back into the Premier League’s top four places.
While Howe’s side were almost flawless in his absence, the visitors earned plenty of criticism for their own performance, with Newcastle legend Alan Shearer slamming Ruben Amorim after Man United were left exposed.
Eddie Howe statement released by Newcastle
Although Newcastle won comfortably in his absence to continue their push towards Champions League football next term, the Magpies fans want to see Howe back in the dugout at St James’ as soon as possible.
With matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa coming up, Newcastle took to Instagram to provide an update on Howe’s health, but didn’t give a timeframe for his return.
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | GD | Points |
| 3 | Nottingham Forest | 32 | 17 | 6 | 9 | +13 | 57 |
| 4 | Newcastle United | 31 | 17 | 5 | 9 | +16 | 56 |
| 5 | Manchester City | 32 | 16 | 7 | 9 | +20 | 55 |
| 6 | Chelsea | 32 | 15 | 9 | 8 | +17 | 54 |
| 7 | Aston Villa | 32 | 15 | 9 | 8 | +3 | 54 |
The club’s post, which Kieran Trippier and Barnes both liked, read: “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. Get well soon, gaffer.”
Newcastle hoping for Howe return ahead of final push
Although Howe is likely to miss their next two matches, Tindall has shown he can lead the Magpies in the big games ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Champions League qualification could prove crucial for Newcastle in their efforts to keep hold of star players like Guimaraes, Tonali, and Alexander Isak this summer, with the latter duo both linked with depatures.
Also, Eberechi Eze being linked with a move to St James’ amid interest from Arsenal, seen as a potential Tonali replacement if the worst happens, would only be possible if Newcastle are part of Europe’s elite.
Football Insider revealed last month that Champions League football will also be the deciding factor in the pursuit of Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, and Howe will be keen to steer Newcastle even further up the table once he’s made a full recovery.