Sky sports presenter emma saunders plans return after coma and cancer battles

EMMA SAUNDERS HAS NOT PRESENTED ON SKY SPORTS SINCE FEBRUARY AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH A BRAIN INFECTION CALLED ENCEPHALITIS, WHICH LEFT HER IN A COMA. 19:43, 21 May 2025 Emma Saunders is

courageously eyeing a return to Sky Sports for the commencement of the 2025/26 season in August as she recuperates from a severe brain infection that left her her in a coma. The well-liked

presenter had also valiantly battled thyroid cancer the previous year, which she shared with fans at the start of the season. Subsequent complications led to her hospitalisation due to

encephalitis, a brain infection. In March, the 32-year-old, who is in a relationship with former RC Lens manager Will Still, took to Instagram to share the news. At the time, she expressed

her intention to resume presenting before the season's conclusion. That timeline has since been adjusted, reports the Mirror. Saunders wrote: "Hi folks. Unfortunately life took a

bit of an unexpected turn a couple of weeks ago and I'm now off work while I recover from Encephalitis – an infection of the brain. "I hope it wont be long until I'm back to

see out the end of 2024/25 – especially after missing part of the start of the season before this when I was treated for thyroid cancer." Article continues below "So, as I spend

time now recovering and rebuilding again - I just wanted to thank my family and friends for their rock solid support, my colleagues at Sky for their patience allowing me the time to heal,

and our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care. And of course you [Will Still] just for being you and being there for me." This month brought heartening news, as

Saunders updated her fans with word of a fresh beginning come August. She admitted being upset that her last outing of the 2024/25 season occurred prematurely in February at Anfield. Penning

a note on Instagram, she reflected: "2024/25 unposted. 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." While

Saunders' return to Sky Sports won't happen until August, her recent appearance at RC Lens' season finale, cheering on her partner Still, showed things were on the up.

Following a conclusive 4-0 triumph against Monaco, Still, aged 32, delivered a stirring address confirming his departure from France and RC Lens, stating that he is prioritising his return

to the UK to support his partner. "I won't be the coach of RC Lens next season," he announced. "The main reason that pushed me to make this decision is the fact that I

need to go home. Everyone is well aware of what happened in my life. That's why. "I had a lot of fun, I think we achieved great things despite everything. I've been in France

for four years, four years that I've experienced intense moments. The logical choice is that I get closer to my [partner] for her well-being too." JOIN THE DAILY RECORD WHATSAPP

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your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. In March, when Saunders was hospitalised, Still made the difficult decision to remain in

France, guiding his side to a thrilling late win over Marseille. Recalling the situation, he told L'Equipe at the time: "It's tough. We realise that there are more important

things in life than a football match or a shot that goes into the top corner. I was honest with the guys. My girlfriend was in a coma. We had to be with her, we had to take care of her. The

group reacted admirably well." He went on to add: "My girlfriend is stable, she's fine. That's the most important thing. When I came back last Saturday, I knew she was in

the best possible place to get treatment. I asked her the question openly, 'Do I go, do I not go?' She said to me: 'You have to go.'" Article continues below