This - but the Medics might force the issue and then we will need a replacement.
I find it 100% plausible that the board will come out with some sort of statement saying that "the job will be waiting for Joe when he gets fit" and give Houghton the reins until the end of the season. Then proceed to give him a brand new four year contract on his hospital bed.
That's how much confidence I have in the sanity of our regime.
If the followup on his health is to be believed, I think he'll be gone before the Everton game.