Manchester City players were back at the training ground today as the Premier League steps up plans to return.
Pep Guardiola and his squad turned up in 15-minute intervals at the City Football Academy over a period of three hours for testing before leaving again as they prepare to start training again at the facility this week.
The Blues have been kept away from the training ground for over two months since top-level football was suspended following confirmation that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had tested positive for coronavirus.
UK prime minister Boris Johnson ordered the country to go into lockdown shortly afterwards and the measures are still in place across the nation, although the Premier League and the government are in talks about bringing football back.
A statement from the league following a meeting on Monday morning confirmed that there had been a unanimous vote to return to small group training this week - deemed "the first step to restarting the Premier League, when safe to do so."
While players in all Premier League squads can begin training again while maintaining social distancing, contact training is not yet allowed. The statement added that the first stage has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, club doctors, independent experts and the government as the league tries to convince players including Raheem Sterling that it is safe to go ahead.
City have taken the decision to refund season ticket holders and anyone that had bought tickets to watch any of the remaining home games at the Etihad this season, with an expectation that if matches do take place they will be behind closer doors.
