Newcastle boss Eddie Howe seen for the first time since being released from hospital as he opens up on pneumonia scare

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been seen in public for the first time since he was rushed to hospital and diagnosed with pneumonia.

Howe fell ill just under three weeks ago and went into hospital on April 11 for further tests.

He was subsequently told he had pneumonia which forced him to miss three Premier League games against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, with assistant manager Jason Tindall stepping in to lead the team.

However, Newcastle announced on Wednesday that Howe had returned to the club, and he was back to face the media on Friday morning. 

Howe appeared in good spirits as he opened up on his health scare ahead of Newcastle’s home clash with Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon. 

‘I’m not 100% in my body but I’d like to think I’m close to 100% in my mind, which is the important thing,’ Howe said.

Jason Tindall stepped in to cover for Howe as he was forced to miss three matches

‘It has been a difficult period. Without the quick intervention (of the club doctor) it could have had a different outcome.’

With Howe returning to the touchline, the Magpies will be looking to bounce back from their 4-1 defeat by Villa last weekend that left their top five hopes hanging in the balance.

Newcastle had won their previous two games without Howe, beating United 4-1 and then Palace 5-0 at St James’ Park. 

They will have home advantage again this weekend as they look to move one step closer to securing Champions League football.

Newcastle currently occupy the final Champions League spot, but are just two points above Chelsea and Villa heading into their final five matches.

Howe’s men face Chelsea at St James’ Park in a potentially pivotal match next month, while they also still have to travel to second-placed Arsenal on the penultimate weekend of the season. 

A win over Ipswich on Saturday would move Newcastle into third, with fellow top five contenders Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Villa all in FA Cup action this weekend.

Chelsea host Everton in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, and could pile the pressure on Newcastle with a win at Stamford Bridge before Howe’s team take to the pitch for their own game.