**Emma Saunders Eyes Return to Sky Sports Following Illness and Cancer Recovery**
Sports broadcaster Emma Saunders has shared plans for her comeback to Sky Sports after a year marred by serious health setbacks, including a rare brain infection and a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Saunders, who became a familiar face presenting women’s football, voiced her gratitude for the steadfast support of loved ones while confirming her return to the studio is pencilled in for August, at the start of the 2025/26 football season.
Saunders, who is in a relationship with football manager Will Still, first disclosed her struggles in March. Through a heartfelt Instagram update, she told followers that she had been hospitalised after being diagnosed with encephalitis, an uncommon and potentially life-threatening brain infection that left her in a coma for several days. The presenter remarked that this new challenge came so soon after she had only recently emerged from hospital treatment for thyroid cancer, initially discovered at the start of the season.
Recovery, she candidly revealed, was a gradual process. “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,” she wrote. Saunders expressed deep appreciation for her support network, including friends, family, her Sky Sports colleagues for their patience, and “our wonderful NHS for their extraordinary kindness and care.” She also paid particular tribute to Still, praising him for being by her side throughout.
While Saunders had initially hoped to return before the end of the season, her recovery compelled her to extend her break from work. A more recent post in May revealed her optimism, as she recounted how her final match of the campaign had unexpectedly come at Anfield in February. “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,” she reflected. Looking ahead, Saunders stated: “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.”
In a sign that her recovery is progressing well, Saunders was recently spotted supporting Still at RC Lens’ last match of the season in France. The football manager had his own significant announcement, revealing after the match that he would be stepping down as Lens manager to relocate to England, prioritising being closer to Saunders as she continues her recovery. Still told supporters, “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.”
Still’s steadfast support during Saunders’ illness was widely noted. In interviews with French media, he admitted struggling to balance his professional commitments with the urgent need to be by her side. “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,” he told L’Equipe. He added that Saunders encouraged him to continue as manager, trusting she was receiving the best possible care in hospital.
The couple, who have been together since 2024, have navigated an exceptionally challenging period. As Saunders has fought to regain her health, Still has seen his stock rise as one of Europe’s youngest football managers, with his career culminating in a viral moment when he took charge of Reims at just 30 years old, making him the youngest manager in Europe’s elite leagues.
Meanwhile, reports have linked Still to a possible managerial role in England, with discussions said to be underway with Southampton as they look to bounce back to the Premier League. His focus, however, remains on being present for Saunders during her continued recuperation, illustrating the couple’s strong partnership in the face of adversity.
Saunders’ anticipated return to Sky Sports is set to be a highlight of the new season, marking the close of a particularly turbulent chapter and the start of a hopeful new one. Her story stands as a testament to resilience, the importance of community, and the significant role of support networks both on and off the pitch.