West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long has overcome a serous health scare regarding his heart.
The Republic of Ireland international, who is expected to make his return against Wigan Athletic tomorrow, has not played since New Year's Day.
The 25-year-old had been out with a back injury before he contracted the virus which attacked his heart, giving him pericarditis.
Baggies boss Roy Hodgson is pleased that the virus has now gone.
"Any time anything affects the heart region it's a concern of course, we don't take any injury or sickness lightly," Hodgson told The Mirror.
"The moment the heart is mentioned, people go into overdrive in terms of concern. We did all the tests of course, quite extensive tests, to be 100% sure.
"It's important to check those things out, because a heart injury is not like having a sore ankle or knee."
Long, who arrived from Reading for £6.5m in August, has scored six goals in 23 appearances for the Black Country side this season.
Robert Summerscales
