Project Restart: Premier League clubs agree to resume contact training

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Premier League clubs voted unanimously on Wednesday to resume contact training and are therefore set to move into the second stage of Project Restart.

"Squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling while minimizing any unnecessary close contact," the Premier League's statement explained.

A date for the resumption of the 2019-20 season could be set during Thursday's meeting between Premier League shareholders, according to a report earlier this week. June 19 or June 26 have apparently been identified as possible restart dates.

Players and staff will continue to be tested twice a week for the coronavirus during the latest phase of Project Restart. Results for the third round of tests are expected to be released on Wednesday, according to BBC Sport.

So far, there have been eight positive results from the 1,744 tests conducted across the Premier League. Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale contracted COVID-19 between the first and second round of testing and described his diagnosis as "scary and worrying."

Some high-profile players have refused to participate in training due to personal concerns over the coronavirus. Troy Deeney was outspoken on the Premier League's plans to return before he pardoned himself from Watford training over fears of passing COVID-19 to his five-month-old son, who has breathing difficulties. Chelsea will reportedly allow N'Golo Kante to miss the remainder of the campaign if the midfielder continues to feel unsafe during the Premier League's efforts to restart the campaign.