Alan Brazil misses radio show again as talkSPORT host releases health statement | Football | Sport

Alan Brazil once again missed the talkSPORT breakfast show after being taken off air last week due to illness. The legendary broadcaster and ex-footballer had fallen ill last week while live on air with former Premier League star Gabriel Agbonlahor.

It occurred on Thursday last week, when the talkSPORT breakfast show went to an advert break, only for Brazil to be absent when it returned. Speaking at the time, Agbonlahor said: “You’re listening to the talkSPORT Breakfast with me, Gabby. Big Alan Brazil is feeling a bit poorly, but he’ll be back as soon as he can.”

Brazil hasn’t returned to the studio since, with a fresh health update having been issued after he missed Wednesday’s broadcast. Posted to the talkSPORT website, it read: “Thanks for all of the messages I’ve received over the past couple of days. I’m fine, just have a wee ear infection, though one of my daughters said it sounds like a bad migraine! It’s funny as it’s often when Gabby is on with me! I will be back on Breakfast next week. Just six weeks to go until Cheltenham!”

TalkSPORT have moved fast to usher in a substitute, with Steve Bruce taking over the reins during Brazil’s continued absence. The broadcaster said: “And to show talkSPORT’s incredible squad depth, Manchester United legend Bruce, who captained the side during their early Premier League dominance, will bring his decades of experience, knowledge and anecdotes to the Breakfast show. From 6am he will be alongside Ally McCoist on Wednesday in what will undoubtedly be a fascinating listen.”

The pair were previewing a bumper night of Champions League action, with all 36 teams playing at the same time on Wednesday night. Manchester City are among the English teams looking to earn a spot in the last eight, with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur all starting the night in the automatic qualification spots.

City had entered the final two matches in a position of strength, but a shock defeat to Bodo/Glimt last week saw them drop down the table. Pep Guardiola’s side will be forced into next month’s play-off if they don’t earn a top-eight berth.