Eddie Howe sent firm Newcastle United Champions League message on health recovery

Newcastle United will not rush Eddie Howe back on to the touchline as the head coach recovers from pneumonia, despite their push for a Champions League place.

The 47-year-old will be given as long as he needs to regain full fitness after his health scare, with Jason Tindall manning the ship in his absence. The assistant coach had overseen impressive wins over Manchester United and Crystal Palace before the setback at Aston Villa, and will likely take charge for this weekend’s home clash with Ipwich Town.

However, there are few fears among the United faithful that Howe’s continued absence will derail their Champions League hopes. In fact, it was an adamant ‘no’ when we asked you that very question following Howe’s spell in hospital.

The United head coach works closely with Tindall and his coaching staff, which has stood the team in good stead in the past two weeks. With Howe away from training, the players and coaches have continued as usual – with little impact on the pitch so far.

Naturally, all will welcome Howe back when the time comes to return, but of the thousands who responded to our poll, a massive 93 per cent felt his absence would not have a negative impact in United’s bid to finish in the top five.

Will Eddie Howe’s absence derail Newcastle’s Champions League bid?

United will be firm favourites to get back to winning ways against Ipswich this weekend, before an away trip to face Brighton on Sunday, May 4. Newcastle must also go to Arsenal, in between home ties with Chelsea and Everton, as they look to seal a top-five spot.

“I’ve said it before, the most important thing for Ed is that he rests and he recovers,” Tindalll said of the head coach. “The more he does that, then the sooner he’ll be able to come and lead the team again.”