Barca back in business as player testing sees return to individual training

May 7 – Barcelona players are being tested for Covid-19 at the club’s training ground before resuming individual work “in the coming days” following the easing of some restrictions by the government in Spain.

LaLiga organisers are aiming for a June restart to the season behind closed doors and in the meantime players from the top two divisions will train individually after an agreement with Spain’s sports and health authorities that guaranteed the safety of both players and staff.

The country’s top division has created detailed protocols for the return to training so proper health safeguards are observed. Part of this involves training sessions progressing from individual to small groups and then team training.

“These measures cover a period of approximately four weeks with different phases that, in any case, will be subject to the de-escalation process established by the government,” a La Liga statement read.

There are 11 rounds of matches remaining, with Barcelona top of the table, two points clear of Real Madrid.

“This crisis has had a profound impact on all of us. The return of football is a sign that society is progressing towards the new normal. It will also bring back an element of life that people in Spain and around the world know and love,” said La Liga boss Javier Tebas earlier this week.

“People’s health is paramount, so we have a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health of everyone involved as we work to restart LaLiga. Circumstances are unprecedented, but we hope to start playing again in June and finish our 19/20 season this summer.”

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