Premier League plan includes rollout of coronavirus testing machines before possible June return

Premier League clubs are ready to deploy coronavirus testing machines as preparations to return intensify.

Clubs could consider using the machines at their training camps to test players for the virus every day, as the government has promised that more equipment will be in general use by the end of the month.

It would allow clubs to strictly monitor their players as plans to restart training begin, with some looking to resume them in mid-May as hopes of games starting again in June.

Several clubs have now told their players to expect to return to training next month, they may have to do a “mini preseason” for two to three weeks and then start playing again in June before concentrating the games on four or five weeks. . period.

The Premier League has held regular meetings and discussions with the government and health experts about when it might be possible to restart after the national blockade is lifted.

They are making very specific plans in order to play games behind closed doors, and, incredibly, fans might not be able to attend the games during the REST OF THE YEAR.

But Premier League clubs are under massive pressure to complete the season due to television cash, as they would potentially have to pay more than £ 750 million to various broadcasters.

The Association of Professional Soccer Players and players remain concerned about playing behind closed doors due to the risk to their health and their families, as well as the additional strain on emergency services that paramedics and police would have to attend.

But frequent player testing would help allay concerns, and league bosses will also seek to showcase all games to keep Sky and BT Sport happy, as well as ensuring that large numbers of fans don’t show up at the stadiums.

The Premier League will hold a new meeting next Friday, April 17, which will analyze the progress of conversations about players who differ salaries, the expected schedule and also whether the current state of the virus means they can make plans.

It reflects what the EFLs are doing now, as President Rick Parry wrote to all the clubs establishing plans for them not to train again before May 16, but then they established a 56-day schedule to complete the season behind closed doors, including the play. offs.

Parry wrote: “It is important to reiterate that our primary goal remains to conclude the 2019/20 season when it is safe to resume play.”