The Premier League's 20 clubs unanimously agreed to resume contact training.

Several players, including Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante and Watford striker Troy Deeney, have opted to pursue individual programmes at home, partly due to statistics indicating people from a BAME background are more likely to die from COVID-19.

However, a Premier League statement read: "Premier League shareholders today voted unanimously to resume contact training -- marking another step towards restarting the Premier League season, when safe to do so.

"Squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling while minimising any unnecessary close contact.

"The Premier League's priority is the health and wellbeing of all participants. Strict medical protocols are in place to ensure the training ground is the safest environment possible and players and staff will continue to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week.

"Stage Two of the Return to Training protocol has been agreed following consultation with clubs, players, managers, the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association), the LMA (League Managers' Association) and the Government. Discussions are ongoing as work continues towards resuming the season when conditions allow."