Emma Saunders update on Sky Sports return after brain infection and cancer fight

Daily Mirror

19-05-2025

Emma Saunders attended RC Lens' final game of the season this weekend to support partner Will Still, as fans eagerly anticipate the Sky Sports presenter's return to the screen
Emma Saunders is bravely planning to return to Sky Sports when the 2025/26 season kicks off in August, as she continues to recover from a brain infection that left her in a coma. The popular presenter also had to battle thyroid cancer last year, and told fans she had been diagnosed with the disease at the beginning of the season.
But further complications meant she was hospitalised with a brain infection called encephalitis. Saunders, who is in a relationship with former RC Lens manager Will Still, revealed the news on Instagram in March.
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She made clear at the time she had plans to return to presenting before the season concluded, although that won't happen now.
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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.
"So, as I spend time now recovering and rebuilding again - I just wanted to thank my family & 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, though, Saunders gave fans a positive update as she confirmed a "fresh start" awaits in August, after noting her final game of the 2024/25 campaign came in February at Anfield.
Writing on Instagram, she said: "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.
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"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 fans will have to wait until August to see presenter Saunders back on Sky Sports again, she is seemingly recovering well after being spotted at RC Lens' final game of the season to support her partner, Still.
After a 4-0 win over Monaco, the 32-year-old manager told fans in an emotional interview that he would be leaving France and Lens to return to the UK to remain close to Saunders while she continues battling back to full health.
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"I won't be the coach of RC Lens next season," he said. "It was the last season at Bollaert, for multiple reasons. 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.
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"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."
After Saunders ended up in the hospital in March, Still remained in France to manage his side as they sealed a dramatic late win over Marseille, but he admitted the decision was a very difficult one to make.
Speaking to L'Equipe, Still said 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.
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"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.'"
As Saunders continues her recovery, Still is already making progress in securing a managerial position in England.
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The Independent reports that he is in talks to become Southampton's new manager, with the aim to take them back to the Premier League after being relegated to the Championship this year.
The fresh-faced manager went viral online after becoming the youngest manager in Europe's top five leagues when he took over Reims in Ligue 1 at the age of 30, having gained his experience from the playing the popular Football Manager computer game.
Meanwhile, Saunders is best known for her work in fronting women's football on Sky Sports and BBC Sport as well.