Anthony Patterson will not be returning to Notts County after all as he is still needed by parent club Sunderland.
The goalkeeper's loan spell at Meadow Lane was curtailed after Sunderland stoppers Lee Burge and Thorben Hoffman tested positive for Covid-19.
It had been agreed between the clubs that Patterson would link back up with the Magpies when possible - but the 21-year-old will now stay at the Stadium of Light for now as Burge is undergoing medical tests after experiencing heart palpitations.
"We completely respect Sunderland’s decision to keep Anthony with them and we wish Lee all the best," said Notts head coach Ian Burchnall, who is now looking to sign another goalkeeper.
"We still want to add more competition to the goalkeeping department and to get Tiernan Brooks out on loan to further his experience.
"There are some interesting options out there and we’re confident of making a strong addition in the near future."
Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson confirmed: "Lee Burge has had to undergo some heart tests.
"He had Covid and on the back of that he has had some heart palpitations.
"I think he's alright, but it was the right thing to do from the point of view of the medical staff just to check that one out."
