Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge released from hospital after being treated for Covid-19

Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge released from hospital after being treated for Covid-19 and is back home recovering with his family… as Lee Bowyer says ‘everybody is smiling’ following positive update

  • Neil Etheridge was taken to hospital to receive treatment for Covid-19 this week 
  • Birmingham goalkeeper Etheridge, 31, spent several days there during the battle
  • But it has been confirmed he has been released and is back home with his family
  • Lee Bowyer said ‘everybody is smiling’ at St Andrew’s after the welcome update 

Birmingham City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge has been released from hospital after receiving treatment for Covid-19.

Etheridge, 31, was taken ill during his preparations for the new Championship season, but has been able to return home.

He is now recovering with his family, and head coach Lee Bowyer has described the feeling of delight at the club. 

‘Everybody is smiling and grateful that he is back home,’ Bowyer said.

‘It is great news. We can’t rush and have to see how he progresses, but the most important thing is he is back with his family.’

Birmingham’s Neil Etheridge has been released from hospital after being treated for Covid-19

Having played 43 times for Birmingham during the last campaign, Etheridge has become a key player at St Andrew’s following his switch from Cardiff City.

It was announced by the club earlier this week that stopper Etheridge was taken into hospital after contracting the virus. 

He remained there for several days to receive treatment, and first tested positive during Birmingham’s pre-season training camp in Troon.

Etheridge (right) is now back home and recovering with his family after contracting the virus

Etheridge (right) is now back home and recovering with his family after contracting the virus

It is believed Etheridge fought Covid-19 for over a week before then being admitted.

‘The club can confirm that Neil Etheridge is currently receiving treatment in hospital for COVID-19,’ the statement had read. ‘Everyone at BCFC is sending him all our strength and best wishes.’

Craig Gardner, Birmingham’s technical director, added: ‘On behalf of the board, the staff, the players and everyone connected to the club, we’re all behind Neil and willing him on his battle against COVID-19.

Lee Bowyer said 'everyone is smiling' at the club with Etheridge having now been discharged

Lee Bowyer said ‘everyone is smiling’ at the club with Etheridge having now been discharged

‘We’re in constant contact with his close family and will continue to support them in any way we can.

‘He’s in the best possible hands and we’re hopeful we can all welcome him home at the earliest opportunity.’ 

Etheridge started his career in Chelsea’s academy and went on to have spells with Fulham, Walsall and Cardiff. He is also an international for the Philippines.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk