Aston Villa could be forced to finish the season without an incomplete squad due to coronavirus fears, manager Dean Smith has said.
Discussions remain ongoing over a return to action, with all 20 top-flight clubs presented with 'Project Restart' last week as behind-closed-doors action edges closer.
Villa are two points from safety with 10 games to play and face a battle with the likes of Bournemouth, Watford, West Ham and Brighton to avoid relegation.
Smith has revealed that two players remain at high risk of infection and passing onto others given their current circumstance and the club would play without them should they feel unsafe to do so.
"There's a certain risk attached to the return to training for all players," he told Sky Sports.
"We've got a player who is asthmatic, we're got a player whose mother-in-law is in remission and living with the family, so you have to be careful with the transmission.
He added: "The players' health and safety is paramount and if they are not comfortable to return, then you will have to return without them.
"We have to listen to our players, listen to their concerns. If the protocol is to move forward, then the ones who can do, will do so."
