NEIL ETHERIDGE is recovering at home with his family after a four-day stint in hospital with coronavirus.

The 31-year-old was admitted last week after contracting the virus and later posted an update to fans from his hospital bed.

But Blues boss Lee Bowyer confirmed on the weekend that Etheridge has been discharged and allowed to return home.

Bowyer said: “Neil is back home with his family today, which is great news.

“Everybody is smiling and grateful that he is back home.

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

Etheridge had started pre-season with Championship club Birmingham, which he joined from Cardiff last summer for an undisclosed fee.

And the Philippines international posted a picture from his hospital bed while attached to breathing equipment on Thursday.

He captioned the image: “Hi everyone. I am feeling stronger today.

“I will put a more detailed message out in due course but I just wanted to let everyone know I am slowly on the mend.

“I am so overcome with the feeling of thanks that I don’t even know where to start.

“I’ll put something out a little more detailed soon but all I can say for the time being is thank you.”

Infection rates across the UK are rapidly rising amid Monday’s loosening of restrictions, with 316,691 people testing positive for Covid-19 between July 12 and 18.

Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals