Premier League clubs to resume contact training as government release new guidelines

The Premier League's return has moved a step closer as clubs have been given the green light to resume full contact training again.

Under new guidelines released on Monday, sports teams are now permitted to train in larger groups as phase two of the UK government's plan was announced.

The move has been made in support of proposals to complete the current season, with a restart pencilled in for some time next month.

Government guidance read: "Stage Two training can be described as the resumption of close-contact [interaction within the two-metre social-distancing boundary] training where pairs, small groups and/or teams will be able to interact in much closer contact [e.g. close quarters coaching, combat sports sparring, teams sports tackling, technical equipment sharing, etc].

"The progression of training into Stage Two is vital to prepare fully for the return of competitive sporting fixtures in many sports. Close-contact training is required to replicate match formations and conditions, so that the sport-specific demands can be placed on the body, mind and senses.

"Close-contact training develops the sport-specific fitness which is an essential element for player safety and a reduced risk of injury during competition.

"It is anticipated that engaging in this type of training would start with smaller 'clusters' of 2-3 athletes and eventually progress to larger groups of 4-12 athletes, and ultimately full-team training, without social distancing possible at all times. Under Stage Two conditions, as per Stage One, social distancing will continue to be the expectation at all other times aside from technical training."

Premier League clubs had already begun training in small groups, though contact between players was not prohibited.

The league has implemented stringent testing for coronavirus in the last two weeks in a bid to reduce the risks of a spread of infection.

Six people were initially diagnosed with carrying the virus after 748 tests a fortnight ago, with a further two positive cases being found in the second batch of 996 tests.

Bournemouth confirmed one of their players had been one of the latest positive cases to be identified, and that the individual was now self-isolating.

There have also been confirmed positive cases at Watford and Burnley, but the small number of cases discovered overall has been promising to restart hopes.

The Premier League's original plan was to resume the campaign from June 12, but chief executive Richard Masters has said they must remain "flexible".

Yet the successful return of the Bundesliga, coupled with the implementation of phase two, does now offer a realistic chance of that date, or at least one in June, being met.

UK sports minister Nigel Huddlestone said: "Given the wide ranging input we have received from medical experts, we believe these pragmatic measures should provide further reassurance that a safe, competitive training environment can be delivered, as we work towards a restart of professional sport behind closed doors when it is safe to do so."

Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.