Howe misses first Newcastle match after testing positive for COVID-19

The former

manager succeed

Steve Bruce

during the international break and had been due to sit in the Magpies’ dugout when they take on

at St James’ Park on Saturday.

However, he will have to wait a little longer after returning a positive test result on Friday night during routine testing, and assistant managers

Jason Tindall

and

Graeme Jones

will lead the team instead.

A

read:

“Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe will be absent from the club’s next Premier League match after testing positive for Covid-19 during a routine test on Friday.

“Eddie will now self-isolate in line with government guidance, meaning he will miss Saturday’s home match against Brentford at St. James’ Park – the first fixture since his arrival at the club.

“Assistant head coaches Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team in Eddie’s absence.”

Speaking of his frustration at being forced to self-isolate for 10 days,

Howe

said in a

:<em>

"I’m very disappointed that I won’t be there with you all at St. James’ Park tomorrow, but it is incredibly important that I follow the guidelines and self-isolate.

"I’d like to reassure everyone that I feel fine, and while this is unwelcome news for me, I know it hasn’t derailed our preparations for what is an important game.

"I have been, and will be, in constant communication with my coaching team and the players, both tomorrow and during the week, and I know they will be giving everything on and off the pitch."

are currently sitting 19th in the League only above struggling

on goal difference.

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