Nigel Pearson to return to Bristol City dugout for Blackburn Rovers match

BRISTOL, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Nigel Pearson manager of Bristol City during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Bristol City and Celtic at The Robins High Performance Centre on July 13, 2021 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Bristol City have confirmed that boss Nigel Pearson has returned to work and will be available to take charge for Saturday’s Championship fixture against Blackburn Rovers.

Pearson has been off ill with a Covid-19 related condition for almost two weeks and his assistant, Curtis Fleming, was left to lead the side against Coventry City – a tie which was lost 3-2 by the Robins.

To Pearson and the fans’ relief, much of his time off has been taken up by the international break where he was been able to recover at home while Fleming has taken care of training ahead of the return of the Championship this week.

READING, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Nigel Pearson, Manager of Bristol City celebrates victory after the Sky Bet Championship match between Reading and Bristol City at The Select Car Leasing Stadium on August 17, 2021 in Reading, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Bristol City confirmed that the 58-year-old has now fully recovered and is now back with the team at the Robins High Performance Centre preparing for his first appearance in the Robins' dugout since their 3-0 defeat to Birmingham City.

Following his return, Pearson said: "It's good to be back and important that as manager I am around and visible," Pearson said. "But it's about doing the job and it's important that I am on my game too.”

Pearson’s absence was his second of the season having contracted Covid-19 for the second time in October.

The former Leicester City boss will now switch his focus back to helping Bristol City turn their Championship form around, after winning only one of their last six matches and slipping down to 18th in the league table.