Premier League is set to start soon, but players are ‘scared’ of Covid-19

Players are “scared” about the prospect of returning to action amid the coronavirus pandemic, says Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.

The Premier League is hoping to resume the season on June 8, which would require players to be back in full training by May 18.

Top-flight clubs are due to meet on Friday to discuss options for the restart.

“The majority of players are scared because they have children and families,” said 31-year-old Aguero.

Speaking to Argentine TV station El Chiringuito, the Argentina international Aguero added: “I’m scared, but I’m with my girlfriend here and I’m not going to be in contact with other people. I’m locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.

“They’re saying that there are people that have it and don’t have any symptoms but still infect you. That’s why I am here at home. Maybe I have the illness and I don’t even know.”

The Premier League has been suspended since March 13 because of coronavirus but all clubs remain committed to playing this season’s 92 remaining fixtures.

All games are expected to be held behind closed doors and the league is considering making some available on free-to-air TV.

Senior medical directors of the FA and Premier League will join a video conference on Friday with medical experts from rugby union, cricket and racing, along with the culture secretary Oliver Dowden and deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam to discuss the medical and safety aspects of a return to sporting action.

Aguero said he and his teammates, will be “quite nervous and extra careful” when they return to work.

“When one person is ill we will think ‘oh what’s happening here?’” he added.

“I hope a vaccine will be found soon so that this all ends.”

If training is resumed before social distancing rules are relaxed, BBC Sport understands players will be tested for coronavirus twice a week and would be screened for symptoms every day.

READ: English clubs back at the table in a bid to save halted season

All tests would be carried out by health professionals at a drive-through NHS testing facility that each club would have access to.

Training grounds will be optimised for social distancing and high hygiene levels.

In addition:

. Players must arrive at training grounds in kit and wear masks at all times.

. They must not shower or eat on the premises. If clubs want to provide players with food, it must be delivered as a takeaway to players’ cars.

. Only essential medical treatment would be allowed, with all medical staff in full personal protective equipment.

. All meetings and reviews must take place virtually and off-site. - BBC.com

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