Eddie Howe hospitalised due to illness and forced to miss Man Utd clash as Newcastle release worrying statement

The Magpies have confirmed that their head coach Howe was admitted to a hospital late on Friday after being unwell for a few days. The Carabao Cup-winning manager will not be in the dugout for the club's upcoming Premier League match against United on Sunday at St. James' Park.

The official statement from the club read: "The Magpies' head coach was admitted to hospital late on Friday evening having felt unwell for a number of days. Medical staff kept Eddie in hospital overnight for further tests, which are ongoing. He is conscious and talking with his family, and is continuing to receive expert medical care. Everyone at Newcastle United extends their best wishes to Eddie for a speedy recovery, and further updates will follow in due course. Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team at St. James' Park on Sunday, supported by the club's first team staff."

Newcastle, who are currently seventh in the Premier League, are aiming for a top-five finish to return to the Champions League next season. Thus, Howe's absence in the dugout in the crucial fixture against the Red Devils will come as a massive blow for the team.

As confirmed by the club, the 47-year-old English coach was kept overnight at the hospital for further tests. Newcastle fans will be buoyed by the news that Howe is conscious and talking, with the football world hopeful that he won't be away from the touchline for too long.