Burnley’s first-team squad have been given the all clear to return to training with strict restrictions in place.

At a Premier League meeting on Monday, clubs voted unanimously to approve players returning under stage one of the return to training protocols.

The Clarets players underwent coronavirus testing over the weekend and provided the squad is free of the virus a return is expected later in the week for the first time since March 20.

Guidelines mean players can work in groups of no more than five and for no longer than 75 minutes at the Barnfield Training Centre. Contact training is also still not permitted.

Those involved will travel separately, park in bays designed with social distancing in mind and adhere to strict hygiene protocols.

The league was suspended on March 13 but no date for a resumption has yet been fixed with this the latest stage of the Premier League’s ‘Project Restart’ plan in a bid to get the season finished.

A statement read: “Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to return to small group training from tomorrow afternoon – the first step towards restarting the Premier League, when safe to do so. 

“Step One of the Return to Training Protocol enables squads to train while maintaining social distancing. Contact training is not yet permitted  

“This first stage has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and the Government.

“Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible.

“The health and wellbeing of all participants is the Premier League’s priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process.

“Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed.”