Kinnear told he needs heart by-pass surgery

(CNN) -- Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear is set to miss two months of the crucial Premier League run-in after being told he needs heart by-pass surgery.

Press Association Sport have revealed that the 62-year-old is expected to undergo an operation later this week after tests carried out following his admission to hospital at the weekend revealed a problem which needs to be addressed.

Assistants Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood will take charge of team affairs as the Magpies attempt to climb away from relegation trouble.

Kinnear complained of feeling unwell at the team hotel ahead of Saturday's 3-2 win at West Brom, and was taken to hospital after the club's medical staff realised his blood pressure was raised.

The club later released a statement confirming initial tests had shown he was "okay" and that he would be detained for further observation.

However, after being seen by a cardiologist, Kinnear has now been told surgery is required and that he will need two months of complete rest afterwards.

That will not only come as a blow to the former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland defender, who suffered a heart attack almost 10 years ago during his spell in charge at Wimbledon, but also to his current employers.

Kinnear was drafted in by owner Mike Ashley in September last year as an emergency stand-in after Kevin Keegan's departure -- and his reign has proved eventful with various run-ins with sections of the media as well as referees and the English Football Association.

He had initially hoped to be back in the dug-out by the time Newcastle face Everton at St James' a week on Sunday, but that is now out of the question.