HARRY KANE, Jordan Henderson and Mark Noble have been inundated by calls from worried players over whether it is safe for football to return.
The 20 Premier League sides have reiterated their ambition to restart training this month with a planned resumption date on June 12.
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Worried players have been seeking the advice of Harry Kane
Jordan Henderson is also a figurehead for players seeking adviceCredit: Getty – Contributor
But after Manchester City ace Sergio Aguero revealed he and many players are “scared” by amidst the coronavirus crisis, it emerged the English trio are top flight stars’ primary port of call.
PFA bosses have also received a spate of calls and messages from worried players.
Tottenham’s Kane, Liverpool’s Henderson and West Ham’s Noble, though, have emerged as figureheads for stars to contact with their concerns.
The news comes as three Cologne players tested positive for coronavirus after returning to training, with the German league due to restart in the next fortnight.
While clubs recognise the concerns of players are genuine and want to ensure an agreed solution, the scale of the issue puts a huge question mark over whether the game can return.
Some players believe the planned return is purely for financial reasons and want complete assurances about their safety before they agree to resume.
It is also believed a number of coaches have similar misgivings about returning, although they feel unable to make a public stand.
But players have more ability to do so and the mood within the game is that they will not be bullied into coming back until every box is ticked.
The latest star to admit to his concerns was Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who said: “It is absurd to talk about dates. You have to go back when the risk is zero.”
Bobby Barnes, deputy chairman of the PFA, said: “We are in regular dialogue with players from all leagues and are representing all of their views and concerns during our regular meetings and communications with both PL and EFL.
“Let there be no doubt that the health and welfare of players and the wider community has to be the overriding consideration above all else.
West Ham’s Mark Noble has been in close contact with other playersCredit: Getty – Contributor
This is how previous seasons would have finished at the top if the season was cut short by nine games
This is how previous seasons would have finished at the bottom if the season was cut short by nine games
“Players quite rightly require assurances that guarantee the safety of themselves and their families.”
Prem bosses insisted: “The League’s priority is the health and safety of players, coaches, managers, club staff, supporters and the wider community.
“The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with Government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers.”
Simon Jordan says it’s ‘an absolute inevitability’ a player will catch coronavirus should the Premier League reconvene and calls for the season to be voided
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
