Neil Etheridge: Birmingham goalkeeper gives positive update from hospital after contracting Covid-19

‘I just wanted to let everyone know I’m slowly on the mend’

Pa Sport Staff
Thursday 15 July 2021 10:41 EDT
Neil Etheridge
Neil Etheridge (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Birmingham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is “slowly on the mend” but remains in hospital receiving treatment for Covid-19.

The Sky Bet Championship club revealed on Wednesday the 31-year-old had contracted coronavirus after he only recently reported back for pre-season training.

Etheridge, who made 43 appearances for the Blues last season, provided an update on his Instagram story from hospital on Thursday, which read: “Hi everyone, I’m feeling stronger today.

“I just wanted to let everyone know I’m slowly on the mend. I’m so overcome with feeling of thanks that I don’t even know where to start.

“I’ll put something a little more detailed out soon but all I can say for the time being is… thank you.”

Boss Lee Bowyer was pleased to hear a positive update on Etheridge’s health and revealed he had spoken with the wife of the Philippines international.

He said: “Neil is still in hospital at the moment, the most important thing from yesterday to today is he has improved slightly. He is in good hands, we know how great the NHS are. We have had some better news today from him.

“I have spoken to him and his wife, it is very difficult for her too. The most important thing is that he gets better. I have let him know that we are all here to support him, that we are all behind him. We trust he can be home soon.”

Birmingham begin their league campaign away to recently relegated Sheffield United on 7 August.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in