Six players or club staff have tested positive after the English Premier League began testing for coronavirus ahead of a potential return to action as part of Project Restart.
Clubs in the English top flight returned to training today, albeit in small groups and with no contact as phase one of the return to training protocols were implemented.
No more than five players were permitted to take part in the sessions, which could last no longer than 75 minutes.
A total of 748 tests were carried out on players and backroom staff across all 20 clubs, with six positives results being returned across three of them.
The Premier League is not disclosing the identities of the individuals or clubs due to “legal and operational requirements”, and said they were sharing the information “for the purposes of competition integrity and oversight.”
The cash rich league hopes to get back to action on June 12, but this is likely to be pushed back.
They also admitted fans may not be allowed back through the turnstiles for up to a year depending on public health guidelines.
Some players have spoken out against the plans, including Tottenham and England defender Danny Rose, who believed players were being rushed back into action before it was safe.
Watford captain Troy Deeney has refused to return to training due to concerns over the safety of his young son, reiterating that players from BAME backgrounds are thought to be four times more likely to contract COVID-19.
