Leicester and Newcastle release statement on Premier League latest release on individual training protocols
Premier League’s Project Restart has gone through successful phase I- which highlights the 20 EPL cubs agreeing to observe individual training protocols.
Premier League released a statement on Monday to confirm that all clubs have finally agreed to resume training individually and in small groups- usually 4-5 members under strict but safety measures.
Clubs including Leicester City and Newcastle have begun covid-19 Antigen Testing (CAT) on Monday with players knee to return training on tomorrow Tuesday.
Some clubs have started releasing statements to inform players and their supporters about the new development. Among them are 2016 Premier League champions Leicester City and Newcastle United with Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, City and Arsenal yet to come out.
Leicester City statement
Leicester City players reported individually to Belvoir Drive on Monday to undergo the Premier League’s COVID Antigen Testing (CAT) for the first time, before continuing the individual fitness work permitted under previous guidance.
In accordance with a schedule developed by coaching, medical and sports science staff, the Club will now initiate a phased process of developing individual work into small group sessions, in preparation for the resumption of full training as plans are developed.
Newcastle United statement
Newcastle United’s players are set to return in small groups to the club’s training ground this week as they begin their preparations for the proposed resumption of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign.
The season was suspended in March due to the coronavirus outbreak and Steve Bruce’s squad have been working on individual training programmes at home over the past few weeks.
However, based on the latest government advice, and following a Premier League shareholders meeting, United’s players will begin phase one of their return to small group training on Tuesday.
To ensure this is as safe as possible, Newcastle United kindly asks supporters and media not to travel to the training ground perimeter during this time and to continue adhering to the latest government guidance at gov.uk/coronavirus.
Players, coaches and essential support staff have now been tested for Covid-19 at the training ground in conjunction with the Premier League by global genomics health business Prenetics.
On Tuesday – by which time all test results will be known – players and staff will arrive at pre-arranged times staggered in groups of a maximum of ten players, with each working in groups of no more than five in separate areas of two pitches to allow for social distancing measures at all times.
Players will arrive in their training kit, parking their cars at least three spaces apart, and will head straight out to the field, with no access to the main building. They will then leave immediately after training. All equipment – including balls, corner flags, cones, goalposts, GPS units, boots and gloves – will be regularly disinfected and players will wear protective snoods on their faces at all times.
The players and staff will also be using an innovative app, developed by world leading bio-analytics company Orecco in association with Newcastle United, to record any potential symptoms.
Players and staff will update the app each day and access to the training ground will only be permitted if they are deemed to be showing no symptoms.
