ALEX PRITCHARD will not be involved in Sunderland's pre-season friendly at Hearts tomorrow after testing positive for Covid.

Pritchard joined the Black Cats earlier this month after being released from his previous club, Huddersfield Town.

The midfielder has not been involved in Sunderland's training camp in Scotland, however, after recording a positive Covid test.

While fellow new arrivals Corry Evans and Callum Doyle could be involved in tomorrow's game at Tynecastle, Pritchard will not feature.

Speaking to Sunderland's official website, head coach Lee Johnson said: "It's frustrating. It's really been the only negative (of the trip) because Alex tested positive for Covid, which was a bit of a shock and obviously disappointing.

"He was one similar to Corry where we were desperate to get him up and give him those 23 to 26 days in terms of work, and get that football work into his legs.

"In fairness, his home gym is quite well equipped so as long as he's feeling okay, then we can push him and he can push himself."