Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. Birmingham City FC photo
MANILA, Philippines—Philippine football international Neil Etheridge has been hospitalized to receive treatment for COVID-19, his club Birmingham City said.
The Blues, who play in England’s second tier football league, said Etheridge will make his recovery inside a medical facility during his bout with the virus.
The Club can confirm that @Neil38Etheridge is currently receiving treatment in hospital for COVID-19.
Everyone at #BCFC is sending him all our strength and best wishes. 💙 pic.twitter.com/wCSqfwUrjB
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) July 14, 2021
“The club can confirm that @Neil38Etheridge is currently receiving treatment in hospital for COVID-19,” posted the club. “Everyone at #BCFC is sending him all our strength and best wishes.”
Birmingham City Technical Director Craig Gardner said everyone at the club is behind Etheride and is pushing for the goalkeeper’s speedy recovery.
“We’re in constant contact with his close family and will continue to support them in any way we can,” said Gardner. “He’s in the best possible hands and we’re hopeful we can all welcome him home at the earliest opportunity.”
Birmingham bought Etheridge from Cardiff City for €2.22 million at the start of the 2020-21 season and has since kept 13 clean sheets in 43 appearances for the Blues.
Etheridge, who recently got married, did not suit up for the Azkals in the joint Fiba World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers last month.