NEWCASTLE face Aston Villa in a crunching Premier League encounter TODAY - but there'll be no Eddie Howe on the touchline.

The Toon have been flying since ending their 70-year trophy drought with a Carabao Cup win against Liverpool in March.

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Harvey Barnes' double sandwiched by strikes from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, saw off Manchester United on the weekend to reaffirm Newcastle's position in the Champions League race.

Then the Tyneside club thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 in their game in hand, which was initially postponed due to League Cup final involvement.

But Howe is absent from the match today and SunSport can explain why.

Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline vs Aston Villa?

As announced on Newcastle's social media account, Eddie Howe is recovering in the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

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A club statement read, "The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery."

Howe was absent for the game against Manchester United with what the club cited as an "illness" at the time.

The 47-year-old was admitted to the hospital last Friday evening, having felt unwell for a number of days.

In the club's joint statement, Howe said: "A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family.

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"I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me. I'm immensely grateful for the specialist care I'm receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible."

Who will step in for Eddie Howe?

Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will step in for Eddie Howe while the Newcastle boss recovers.

And Tindall gave a re-update on Howe with the club's in-house media ahead of the Wednesday night game.

The Toon assistant manager said: "He's in the best possible hands and he'll be back as soon as he feels he's ready to come back.

"Your health is the most important thing, that's why it's so important that when he comes back he is able to lead the team as we know he does, which I'm sure he will do."

What time does Newcastle vs Aston Villa kick-off?

• Aston Villa vs Newcastle is scheduled to get underway at 5:30pm BST.
• Villa Park is the allocated venue for this huge match and it can host 42,640 fans.
• Fans can watch the entire action on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League.
• Newcastle dismantled Aston Villa 3-0 when the sides last met.