Shrewsbury Town manager Steve Cotterill remains in hospital but is no longer in intensive care after a battle against Covid-19.
The former Black Cats assistant is "on the mend" after being admitted to hospital in Bristol following a coronavirus outbreak at the club.
The 56-year-old will miss the Shrews FA Cup tie with Southampton with assistant manger Aaron Wilbraham overseeing proceedings.
Sunderland are due to face the Blues on Saturday, and it looks unlikely that Cotterill will be back in the dugout for that game.
Speaking to the Argus, Wilbraham said: "“It was scary news and it did affect me,” Shrewsbury assistant manager Wilbraham said.
“It’s been a crazy time and it was quite worrying. But Sunday and Monday has been non-stop improvement.
“He’s on the mend so it’s definitely good signs, it’s a relief to everyone.
“I’ve spoken to him in the last couple of days and I can tell he’s getting better.
“His voice is getting better and he’s starting to crack a couple of jokes. He’s told me to tell the boys he’ll be watching (the Southampton game) from his hospital bed, so they’d better be at it.”
