Southampton loanee Jake Vokins set for second heart scan ahead of Sunderland return following COVID-19 scare

The left-back, who is on loan from Premier League side Southampton, hasn't featured for the Black Cats since their win at Accrington Stanley last month.

Having tested positive for COVID-19, Vokins underwent an ECG prior to his return to action – and a ‘flicker’ was detected.

While both clubs are optimistic that there is nothing major at play, Hampshire Live report that the youngster will undergo a second heart scan today [Thursday, April 8] as a precautionary measure.

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has spoken with Vokins this week, however, and says the full-back is in good spirits.

"I had the chance to speak to him, he was here and we spoke. He feels fine now, he feels okay," he said.

“It’s a normal thing you do to check him. I think this is important.

“We know about the damaging factor of this virus sometimes. We have to control everything and hopefully, there is nothing serious.“

Speaking last week, Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson said conducting the thorough checks was the ‘right thing to do’ given the unpredictable nature of the virus.

"I don't think we will be out that long because he looks fine, feels fine - he is frustrated more than anyone because he actually feels good,” he noted.

"But this is the right thing to do, given that COVID is an unprecedented situation.

"His previous ECGs and medicals have always been clear so I don't think it's a long-term problem and nobody is panicking in that respect."

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