Premier League players likely to resume training next month amid coronavirus testing plan

Premier League clubs are looking to utilise coronavirus testing machines as they step up preparations for a return to action. The top-fight teams could invite their players to their training grounds for daily tests.

READ MORE

• Players Together for NHS: Which Premier League stars are involved?

A number of Premier League clubs have told players to expect training to resume from next month for a mini pre-season to improve their fitness levels before a hectic run of fixtures in June to complete the 2019/20 campaign, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Premier League are making plans to play games behind closed doors amid the massive pressure to preserve the television deal. A voiding of the season could result in more than £750million being handed back to broadcasters.

The Professional Footballers’ Association have highlighted concern about the risk to players’ health and for their families while there is also the issue of emergency services needing to be in attendance.

However, coronavirus testing would alleviate players’ health concerns while showing all remaining fixtures on television would keep the broadcasters happy and stop fans from turning up outside grounds.

KEY STORY: Man Utd icon Sir Alex Ferguson ‘proud’ as club offer extra NHS help in coronavirus fight

READ MORE

• Liverpool star Henderson organising Premier League coronavirus fund

Premier League bigwigs have been holding regular talks with the Government and health experts about when action could resume after lockdown restrictions are eased.

A further meeting is due to be held on April 17 to discuss the timetable for returning to action, player wage deferrals and the current state of the virus.

Meanwhile, Premier League captains released a statement on Wednesday evening confirming the launch of #PlayersTogether initiative.

A number of stars have joined forces to make donations to the NHS and other charities amid fight against the coronavirus crisis.

DON’T MISS

Southampton become first Premier League club to agree wage deferral after sour pay cut row

Premier League stars confirm coronavirus initiative to raise funds for NHS

Chelsea make unusual request to Barcelona during Philippe Coutinho negotiations

The likes of Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire are spearheading attempts to persuade team-mates to donate 30 per cent of their weekly wages to the campaign.

The overall fund is expected to be in excess of £20million, with more than £4m already in the pot.

A statement read: “#PlayersTogether is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other club and league conversations, to help get much needed funds to those that need it right now. To try and help, along with so many others in the country, make a real difference.

“Our prayers and thoughts go out to everyone affected by this crisis. By sticking together, we will get through this.

“Stay home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.”

Source: Read Full Article