Key man could be missing for Newcastle United on Sunday after being 'bedridden' for couple of days

Friday morning is usually when the media will speak to Eddie Howe ahead of the weekend's fixture but today the gathered masses were met with the beaming smile of Jason Tindall.

Newcastle United's assistant coach took over the media duties this morning, much like he has taken training over the last couple of days.

Eddie Howe has been 'bedridden' with illness for the last couple of days leaving Mad Dog in charge.

It now remains to be seen whether Eddie Howe will be in the dugout on Sunday when Manchester United come to town.

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Eddie Howe could still be in the dugout on Sunday

Jason Tindall explained to the media (via The Chronicle) that Eddie Howe had missed a couple of days of work but he expects him to be in the dugout as normal on Sunday.

"He's been really ill and has been in bed the last few days. We hope he will be OK for Sunday. It's not very often that Eddie is not able to come to work. It is a bit different, and it has only been a couple of days. But we have a fantastic bunch of lads and they know what they have to deliver.

"I am not expecting him not to be available, if the game was tomorrow then maybe but with the game on Sunday he should be OK."

Tindall is fully focused on the Man United game

Regardless of Eddie Howe's presence, Tindall is sure the lads know exactly what it expected of them and is fully focused on getting a result.

"We see the Man United game as another important game. They are a huge football club with huge expectations.

"We will prepare for Man United the same way we did against Leicester. We have eight big games left but this is one we hope to do well in. We are in a position we would have wanted to be in with eight games remaining. We know there is an extra Champions League place but there are a lot of teams fighting for those positions.

"The only thing we are in control of is preparing for Man United. If we can get the performance we need it puts us one step closer to where we want to be."