Eddie Howe to miss first Newcastle game after testing positive for Covid-19

Posted Saturday, November 20, 2021 by Dailystar.co.uk

Eddie Howe was appointed Newcastle boss during the international break but will miss the clash with Brentford having tested positive for Covid-19, the club announced

Eddie Howe will miss his first game as Newcastle manager after testing positive for Covid-19.

Howe was appointed boss at the start of the international break with Steve Bruce having previously been shown the door.

But he will miss Saturday's home game against Brentford with Newcastle United confirming the ex-Bournemouth boss has tested positive for Covid-19.

A tweet read: "#NUFC 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."

Assistant head coaches Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will lead the team in Howe's absence.

Eddie Howe to miss first Newcastle game after testing positive for Covid-19
Eddie Howe will miss his first Newcastle game after testing positive for Covid-19

Howe said: "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."

Eddie Howe to miss first Newcastle game after testing positive for Covid-19
Newcastle are looking to climb up the Premier League table after appointing Eddie Howe (Image: Getty Images)

Howe is the first manager under the new ownership at St James' Park and recently outlined his aims for the Premier League club.

"I'd like to think you'll see a Newcastle team playing in the way that I want them to, and a way befitting of what the Newcastle supports want to see as well," he said.

"I'm going to try and deliver that as best I can. How quickly we can get there, well, we'll see – but I'd like to think you'll see a team that is playing for the shirt, the supporters and the badge, and doing the team and the city proud."