Jason Tindall addressed the issue of Eddie Howe's health as the Newcastle manager missed his side's match against Manchester United having been taken to hospital on Friday
Newcastle United assistant boss Jason Tindall says he's 'sure' manager Eddie Howe will return to the dugout soon after he was taken to hospital on Friday night. Howe is missing his side's Premier League clash with Manchester United on Sunday, leaving Tindall in charge of the side.
The Magpies confirmed that their boss was conscious and talking to family in an update on Saturday, but Tindall says he has had no input in team preparation for Sunday's match.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Tindall said: "He was taken to hospital on Friday evening, so everybody wishes him the best and I'm sure he'll be back with us again soon."
On the subject of Howe's involvement in team selection, he then added: "I think when you've been ill all week it's very difficult to have the kind of input that I'm sure he'd normally have, but the way we work we know the expectations, we've got a fantastic group of players, and they know the demands that the manager and everybody else will put on them, so it;'s important that they go out and deliver the performance that the manager will be proud of."
Newcastle are looking for a win that would take them up to fourth place in the Premier League table on Sunday, with Chelsea's Champions League hopes suffered a blow after they could only draw 2-2 at home to Ipswich.
Tindall added: "We've had a good week, a really positive result away at Leicester. We know our expectations and our goals, and what we want to try and achieve, and every game is so important especially when you come into the 'money' end of the season as they say, only eight games remaining, so it's important we deliver a performance."
Newcastle midfielder Joelinton admitted his side would miss the influence of Howe, telling Sky Sports: "It's a big miss for us. We missed him during the week and we hope he gets well soon. We wish him well and hope it's not serious.
"We know the importance of this game. I expect a difficult game against any opposition in the Premier League and we know the quality of Manchester United's squad. We have to show our quality and strength and hope we get three points."