Newcastle United release Eddie Howe statement ahead of midweek Crystal Palace clash

Crystal Palace could take on a Newcastle United side without the services of manager Eddie Howe next week with the Tyneside club confirming this weekend that the 47-year-old had been hospitalised.

The Magpies take on Manchester United on Sunday at St James’ Park and it has been confirmed that Howe will not be able to be at the fixture due to illness. It’s just a three day turnaround before the North East side then welcomes Crystal Palace on Wednesday night for the fixture rearranged to make way for the Carabao Cup final.

A statement from Newcastle United on Saturday read: “Eddie Howe will miss Newcastle United's Premier League game against Manchester United on Sunday due to illness.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe admitted to hospital

“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.”

Little more is known as to specifics regarding the illness by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie added that Howe had been ‘unable to take training all wee’ having missed his press conference on Friday.

It’s a crunch time of the season for Newcastle United, who are looking to secure Champions League football next season. The Carabao Cup winners currently sit 7th in the table, just two points off the top four with two games in hand over Manchester City.

Crystal Palace looking to bounce back at St. James’ Park

Crystal Palace will make the trip to St James’ Park looking for a response having thrown away a 2-0 lead over Manchester City on Saturday. The Eagles had gone ahead through goals from Eberechi Eze and Chris Richards before a Kevin De Bruyne masterclass helped conduct an impressive turnaround from the Champions with the score finishing 5-2.

Reacting to the game, Glasner told BBC Sport: “Of course the defeat really hurts when you are up by two. We conceded the goals too easily today, we didn’t defend at our top level and can do this better. A team like Man City punish it. We weren’t at our top level defending today and that’s why we conceded too many goals, when you concede five here it’s difficult to get at least a point.

“We have to accept City is a great team and when you’re not at your top level they find gaps and are able to score. The longer the game lasted, the more it happened. After the first goal it was tough but the players did their best. We will learn from this game, we will analyse it and show the players. When you play a team like City you always have to be at your top level in defence and we haven’t been at this top level and that’s why we lost the game.”

In other news, this is what Oliver Glasner said as to why Jean-Philippe Mateta was taken off early amid fears of an injury.