Newcastle United assistant Jason Tindall has delivered a fresh update on the condition of manager Eddie Howe who is recovering from pneumonia in hospital.
Howe missed the Magpies' 4-1 home victory over Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday after he was admitted to hospital on Friday evening.
Tindall stood in for Howe, who has since thanked supporters for their "messages and warm wishes" and continues to undergo further tests in hospital "with further updates to be communicated in due course."
Newcastle have confirmed that Howe will miss the club's next two Premier League matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, with both Tindall and first-team coach Graeme Jones tasked with leading the Magpies in his absence.
As he did last Friday, Tindall stepped in to address the media at Tuesday's pre-match press conference ahead of Newcastle's home encounter with Crystal Palace and provided the latest update on Howe.
"That's the only update [from the club] really. We have had minimal dialogue together since the announcement," Tindall told reporters. "We know that he is in the best possible hands and he will be back as soon as he feels he is ready to come back 100% to lead the team.
"Of course, your health is the most important thing and that is why it's so important that when Eddie decides to come back, he comes back and is able to lead the team like he does day in day out, fully recovered, and I am sure he will do that."
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Tindall: 'Hopefully I can deliver the same messages as Howe would want'
Discussing what role Howe will play in Newcastle's upcoming fixtures despite his absence, Tindall said: "We had minimal contact last week too in terms of preparations [against Man United]. But we know the expectations and demands we put on each other and ourselves each and every day. It's got to remain that way until the manager is back.
"We know what to do and how we have to prepare in order to deliver performances that the manger will be proud of.
"It's part of my job. I will do the best I possibly can in his absence. We have worked together for 17 years now, so we know what is expected of each other. Hopefully, I can deliver the same messages as he would want and hopefully he will be back as soon as possible."
"It's just been a few text messages yesterday," Tindall added. "The most important thing for the manager now is to rest and recover and probably not worry too much about anything other than making sure he is recovering as quickly as possible.
"Maybe in the next couple of days, if he is feeling better, maybe we will have a little more dialogue.
"I am sure when Eddie does return, he will probably ease himself into the role. It's important when he comes back, he will be able to lead the team like he always does. Hopefully we can have him here as our leader as soon as possible but only when he is 100% right to do so."
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Tindall was full of praise for the Newcastle squad following their victory over Man United, adding: "Obviously really proud. The players went out there and delivered a performance that the manager would be proud of and expect. It's a testament to the group of players and staff at the football club.
"They showed a fantastic attitude and everyone pulled together at a time like this when they needed to. Hence, they went out and delivered the performance against Manchester United."
Tindall confirms Willock availability for Palace clash
Meanwhile, Newcastle have been boosted by the news that midfielder Joe Willock is available to return to the matchday squad for Wednesday's match.
Willock has missed the Magpies' last two Premier League games after being taken off with concussion in the closing stages of their 2-1 win over Brentford on April 2.
"He's now exiting the concussion protocols so he's available now to be involved in the squad tomorrow," said Tindall.
"Everybody has come away from Sunday fine. It was good to get Anthony Gordon some minutes and good to have him back with the qualities he's got. The squad is in good shape."
Newcastle will climb up to third in the Premier League table and will strengthen their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League if they claim three valuable points against a Crystal Palace side who lost 5-2 at Manchester City last weekend.
Meanwhile, Tindall has responded to reports claiming that Newcastle have completed a deal to sign Malaga's teenage winger Antonio Cordero this summer.
Oliver Thomas
