Premier League clubs will push to use up to FIVE substitutes if they are forced to cram all their remaining games into a month.
It comes amid serious discussions at Premier League level with the 20 clubs about potentially squeezing the rest of the campaign into June amid a strict quarantine with games behind closed doors.
The fear is that all of the games in a short space of time - most clubs have got nine games left - could cause fatigue and injuries for the players, especially if they are coming back after an unexpected rest.
They are currently allowed to use three substitutes from the seven players on the bench but the hope would be that using five would at least ease the physical demands on players and allow them to be substituted to avoid injuries and muscle strains.
It is believed to be an idea being pushed by managers and may therefore be championed by the League Managers’ Association.
The Premier League will meet again on Friday with player welfare amid all of the talks high on the agenda and topics of discussion.
Additionally, VAR could be put on hold during the coronavirus crisis.
It will be on the agenda as the Premier League considers when and how football can restart amid health concerns surrounding the virus.
Games are almost certainly going to be behind closed doors when games resume with Premier League chiefs now looking towards June and seeing out the season in July.
As such, VAR would be a further worry for the Premier League and may need to be put on hold - although they are still determined to stick with it in the long term.
The VAR team is at least three people, including one referee, for each match all in a small room at
Stockley Park which could raise concerns over social distancing.
But if there are other games going on being squeezed into the schedule the it could raise further concerns amid a background to get all of the games played to avoid the TV deal being in jeopardy.
