MADRID: The Spanish league is hoping to resume the 2019-20 season in the middle of next month.

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

A decision on a resumption in Germany has been delayed until later this week after positive tests for 10 players and staff at various clubs while Austria has yet to take a view. In France Amiens are launching legal action to object to their season-halting relegation ruling.

In Spain players from clubs in the top two divisions are returning to restricted training by agreement with sports and health authorities concerning the safety of both players and staff. Players must undergo test before they can return to training facilities.

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.

A LaLiga statement said: “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.

“Together with the medical tests carried out by clubs, a staggered return to training has been implemented that will start with players training alone and with group activities prior to the return to competition, scheduled for June.”

The outcome of the Spanish cup is another matter.

The Spanish federation has acceded to a request from Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad that it will be staged when fans can attend after it is confirmed that coronavirus is no longer a threat.

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