Pearson all set to return to training

City statement confirms boss is in ‘the final stages of his recovery from Covid-19’

NIGEL Pearson is on the mend and set to return to Bristol City training. The Robins boss will take charge today after the club confirmed that he was going through the final stages of “his recovery from Covid-19”.

The 58-year-old has now seen off two bouts of the virus, after being left bed-ridden in 2020, and his return is well-timed with Championship tabletoppers AFC Bournemouth visiting Ashton Gate on Saturday.

However, Pearson, pictured, was unable to make the club’s scheduled Fans Forum yesterday evening.

Assistant manager Curtis Fleming was all set to step in, joined by club captain Dan Bentley and striker Andreas Weimann, alongside CEO Richard Gould, as the Robins update supporters on the campaign so far.

Fleming had previously described Pearson’s condition as “rough” and “not great” but the manager was still able to maintain communications with staff and players.

A statement from City confirmed: “Nigel Pearson is going through the final stages of his recovery from Covid-19 and will return to training on Tuesday as the team prepares for Saturday’s match.”

Pearson will therefore oversee his side’s preparations as they attempt to win a first home game since January 26, with the unbeaten leaders coming to town.

The manager is expected to hold his pre-match media call on Thursday this week when he will most likely discuss the last two weeks and suffering with a second infection of Covid-19.

City did not play at the weekend due to the international break, but prior to that won their last match 3-2 away to Peterborough.