Premier League clubs will be moving onto the next stage of returning to action this week as clubs voted unanimously to resume full-contact training.
Both Manchester United and Man City were given permission to return to training for the first time since the league’s suspension last week, although both clubs had to adhere to strict social distancing measures.
Groups could be no more than five players, each of whom had to keep at least two metres apart during the session, while training sessions could last no longer than 75 minutes.
In a statement released by the Premier League on Wednesday, it was announced that clubs would now be able to move onto phase two of the plan to return.
"Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to resume contact training, marking another step towards restarting the Premier League season, when safe to do so,” it read.
While social distancing rules have been slightly relaxed around the training session, both clubs will still have to take precautions in order to minimise the risk posed to players and members of staff.
Tackling will now be allowed during sessions, but clubs will still be expected to reduce “any unnecessary close contact”.
As part of returning to training, players and staff are being tested for the virus twice a week, a protocol that will continue to stay in place.
As per Government guidance , a risk assessment and a risk mitigation strategy should be conducted prior to the start of training, which should appropriately modify exercises so that “time spend by two or more individuals within a 2-metre distance of one another, and level of face to face contact, is kept to a reasonable minimum, consistent with effective training.”
Instances of sharing of equipment, such as footballs, will be minimalised, and equipment will continue to be effective.
Social distancing will also have to be maintained both before and after the session, meaning players are still likely to have to arrive and leave in their training kit.
Players and staff will also be reminded of the guidelines outside of the training ground.
Should phase two be successful, the Premier League are hoping to resume fixtures in mid-late June.
