GARETH BALE and his Real Madrid team-mates have arrived back at training as LaLiga prepares to resume its season.
Former Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois and club legend Marcelo turned up with masks covering their faces, as did James Rodriguez.
Real Madrid keeper Courtois covered up with a mask as he returned to trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Bale saw no reason to wear any protective gear when he arrivedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Hazard returned to the club HQ with a new beardCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But a number of others including Bale, Eden Hazard and Dani Carvajal saw no reason to cover up despite the pandemic.
Real and arch rivals Barcelona are returning to their respective clubs today for testing.
Lockdown measures have been relaxed in Spain and teams have been given permission to resume activity on an individual basis.
League bosses are planning to have games played again in June.
In a statement, Spanish league president Javier Tebas said: “People’s health is paramount.
“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 2019-20 season this summer.”
Providing no one tests positive, then Real stars – some of whom could be part of a reported mass exodus – can expect to be back in training later this week or early next week.
Marcelo was another who chose to wear protective gear when meeting up again with team-matesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
James Rodriguez was taking no chances as he turned up wearing a maskCredit: Getty Images – Getty
LaLiga wants players to train for at least a month before resuming with matches, to avoid issues with fitness and injuries.
Even then, games will go ahead behind closed doors – and could be well into 2021.
Despite Tebas’ hope of a return to football in June, there is not yet an official date for the league’s resumption.
Tebas is adamant the season will finish, saying a cancellation would cost a staggering £840million.
Courtois is desperate to finish the season because he feels it would be “unjust” to hand Barca – two points ahead of Real – the league title without it being completed.
He said: “I am sure we can still be champions.
“It would be a shame if the season was stopped for good. And if it was, I would find it unjust that Barcelona were crowned champions.
“In Barcelona they must find it logical, but I don’t.
Carvajal had absolutely no protective gear on when he arrivedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“They drew and lost to us, we showed that we were the better team even if they are two points ahead today.
“I wouldn’t find that fair. In England I can understand that Liverpool would be named champions, because they are 25 points ahead.
“Either we play it all or we don’t finish, but then we don’t designate a champion.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
