Newcastle boss Eddie Howe diagnosed with pneumonia and will miss next two matches at least

manager Eddie Howe is set to miss the club's next two matches at least after being diagnosed with pneumonia. Howe had been absent for Sunday's 4-1 victory over Manchester United at St. James' Park, with assistant Jason Tindall taking the team instead.

Howe is expected to miss Newcastle's next two fixtures and perhaps more, starting with the mid-week clash against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. The former Bournemouth manager will also sit out the trip to Aston Villa next Saturday, with his first game back in the dugout set to be against Ipswich Town on 26 April, should he be fit enough to take charge.

Issuing a health update , the Premier League side said: "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."

It was revealed on Saturday that after falling ill on Friday. Concerns had initially been raised when Tindall deputised for Howe during Friday's press conference ahead of the United clash.

Commenting on his current situation, Howe said in the club statement: "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."

Newcastle thumped United in their first match without Howe, with goals from Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and a Harvey Barnes brace earning the Magpies a crucial three points in the hunt for Champions League qualification. When quizzed on his Howe's involvement, Tindall replied: "I've just seen a message from Eddie congratulating us on the performance and the victory. He was able to watch the game and I'm sure it has 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. 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."