Emma Saunders looking forward to 'fresh start' after providing positive update on brain infection as partner Will Still closes in on Southampton move to provide more support for Sky Sports presenter

Sky Sports presenter Saunders has been absent from the television channel since February after being diagnosed with encephalitis, a brain infection. Still missed a Ligue 1 match with Lens following his girlfriend's diagnosis and revealed that she convinced him to return to the dugout in March.

"I have been honest with the guys. My girlfriend was in a coma, I had to be with her. We had to take care of her and the group have reacted admirably well," he said.

It was confirmed on Sunday that Still has left Lens and aims to move to England to be closer to Saunders, with The Independent reporting that he has been approached by Southampton. The Saints are confident of hiring the 32-year-old as they look to bounce back from their Premier League relegation.

Saunders has said she is recovering well and suggested she will be back at work ahead of the new season, writing in an Instagram post: "Wasn’t to know at the time but a trip to Anfield in Feb was my last game this season; gutted to have had this campaign cut so short but at least we signed off on a high at the home of the Champions.

"Thank you to everyone who’s reached out - the kind words and encouragement have gone such a long way in recovery. Very grateful to say things are moving in the right direction and I’m feeling much more ‘me’. Looking forward to a fresh start in August."

Still, born in Belgium to English parents, will hope to have his future resolved soon so he can start preparing for next season.