Newcastle United will still be ‘ready’ for the visit of Brentford despite Eddie Howe’s last-minute positive Covid-19 test. The new Magpies head coach will be in self-isolation and will not be able to lead out his side for the first time at St James’ Park after testing positive on Friday. Assistant head coaches Graeme Jones and Jason Tindall will lead the team following the setback which could rule the 43-year-old out of next weekend’s encounter at Arsenal.
Eddie 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.”
