Steve Cotterill to miss Sunderland clash as assistant gives update on COVID-19 recovery

The former Sunderland assitant manager spent time in intensive care last weekend after testing positive for the virus, and watched his side’s FA Cup defeat to Southampton on Tuesday night from hospital.

Assistant Manager Aaron Wilbraham has been leading the team in his absence and will continue to do so against the Black Cats.

Wilbraham does expect to have more dialogue with Cotterill as the game nears.

“I spoke to him very briefly on Wednesday,” Wilbraham said.

“He had a bit of a rough day, he wasn't feeling any worse and he hadn't declined or anything, he was just feeling a bit groggy.

“I spoke to him again later on and I'm sure I'll be speaking to him more towards the weekend.

“The gaffer is so detailed in his preparation and his training methods that we've just tried to stick to that pattern,” he added.

“It's what the lads are used to and it's what has been getting them success in recent games.”

That 2-0 defeat at St Mary’s on Tuesday night was Shrewsbury’s first game of 2021, after the virus outbreak over the festive period.