Premier League edges closer to return with clubs set to vote on contact training proposal

Premier League has received UK government's approval to progress to next st of Project Restart, prompting hopes of a return of championship. This will enable teams to start competitive and close-contact training in groups of up to 12 players.

PL edging closer to June restart

On Wednesday, clubs will be voting on wher y plan to move to next st of training, although more precautions will have to be taken to ensure that re is spread of virus. 

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On Saturday, Premier League said that two more individuals from two different clubs have tested positive for coronavirus. In all, 996 players and club staff were tested over three days last week for COVID-19. In a statement, league said, In all, as many as eight people have tested positive because of virus. " specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by League and results will be made public after each round of testing," it furr said. 

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Last week, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters excluded confidence regarding restart of league as league hope to begin playing remaining 92 matches on June 12 or 19.

"We've taken first step. It's great for everybody, including fans, to see our players back on training ground," Masters told BBC Sport on Friday.

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Masters said he was "as confident as we can be" that teams would be able to start in June. Asked if Premier League had an exact date for a return, Masters said organisation had to be "flexible". While top tier is taking baby steps towards emulating Bundesliga's return to action, leagues in France, Scotland and Nerlands have been abandoned because of pandemic.

Masters said he recognised need for "contingency plans" and admitted that "curtailment is still a possibility". Watford captain Troy Deeney and Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante have both opted against returning to training over health fears. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said phase two, return of contact training in elite sports, could get government approval "later this week". But Masters admitted Premier League will t approve that step until it is safe.

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