Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has returned to work at the club’s training centre after recovering from pneumonia, the Premier League side confirmed on Thursday.

Howe, 47, had been hospitalised earlier this month and missed three key league matches against Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa.

During his absence, assistant manager Jason Tindall led the team to victories over Manchester United and Crystal Palace, but suffered a heavy defeat to Aston Villa.

Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League and fresh off a League Cup triumph, Newcastle face Ipswich on Saturday as they continue their push for a Champions League spot.

The top five teams in the league will qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League, with Liverpool and Arsenal leading the title race and just four points separating third-placed Manchester City from seventh-placed Aston Villa.