Philippine Azkals veteran Neil Etheridge tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in England, his club Birmingham City confirmed Wednesday, July 14.
Birmingham City gave no further details after announcing Etheridge’s condition through its social media accounts but a club official said they have been keeping in touch with the Filipino goalkeeper’s family.
“On behalf of the Board, the staff, the players and everyone connected to the Club, we’re all behind Neil and willing him on in his battle against COVID-19,” said technical director Craig Gardner.
“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,” Gardner added.
The 31-year-old has been busy training ahead of Birmingham City’s campaign in the English Football League Championship which starts next month.
Etheridge was coming off a solid debut for the English second division side that finished 18th out of 24 clubs after spending most of the season battling relegation.
He initially became part of the 25-man squad of the Azkals for the World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers but backed out due to a scheduled offseason surgery.