Eddie Howe tests positive for Covid-19

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe will miss the club's Premier League clash with Brentford at St James' Park after testing positive for Covid-19.

The 43-year-old is yet to take charge of a game for the Magpies after succeeding Steve Bruce as boss, but will have to wait a little longer for his bow on the touchline after returning a positive test result on Friday night during routine testing.

Speaking of his frustration at being forced to self-isolate, Howe said in a Newcastle statement: "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."

Assistant head coaches Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will take charge of the game against Brentford, which represents another opportunity for Newcastle to register their first Premier League win of the season.

Howe's charges are currently second bottom of the Premier League after failing to win any of their first 11 games. They have drawn five and lost six of their games so far, a record that is only marginally better than basement boys Norwich.

The former Bournemouth coach has been working with Newcastle's players over the international break after his appointment, but will now need to leave the team in the hands of his trusted assistant Tindall, who has worked with him for many years, and Jones, who was interim boss in the North East while the club searched for a permanent successor to Bruce.