Despite concerns raised by players and coaches over the need for an extended period of training before matches can restart, Britain’s Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is hopeful the Premier League can resume mid-June.
The clubs in the Premier League meet today to sign off on protocols that will see a allow a return to training this week while social distance guidelines are being adhered to.
The last top match in England was on March 9, 2020, and Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said on Sunday,May 17, 2020, that his players could fall down “like a pack of cards” with injuries if matches return before the end of June.
England International and Tottenham player Raheem Sterling also expressed concerns at a quick turnaround between resumption of training and playing matches.
The Premier League has reportedly been aiming for a return on June 12 and Dowden insisted that while public safety remains the priority, he was hoping for a restart in about a month’s time.
I had some very constructive discussions on Thursday with the FA, the EFL (English Football League) and the Premier League.
We are working hard with them to try and get ot back, aiming for mid-June. But the number one test is public safety.
They, like a lot of other sports we’re looking at returning behind closed doors, have met with Public Health England several times to look at the safety.
If we can sort that out then we will look to resume by mid-June. We’re making good progress.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had told parliament last week that the return of sports to television would provide a much-needed boost to national morale.
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