This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
On May 6, 2020, La Liga clubs began implementing a strict medical protocol to ensure the health and safety of players and staff as they prepare to return to training.
Players at Barcelona, including captain Lionel Messi and France international Antoine Griezmann, underwent coronavirus tests at the club's training centre. Meanwhile, players at Real Madrid, including Eden Hazard and Karim Benzema, underwent health checks at the club's training base.
Results from the coronavirus tests are typically known within 48 hours, allowing teams to plan their return to training accordingly.
Atletico Madrid, who also underwent testing, aim to resume training immediately once the results are known, provided all goes to plan.
Atletico midfielder Marcos Llorente expressed the team's eagerness to restart training, stating, 'It's been a very strange time for us. We've never gone as long without touching a ball and we are eager for it all to restart.'
La Liga's four-phase de-escalation programme, announced by the Spanish government, will allow players to initially train alone before progressing to small group training and eventually larger team sessions.
La Liga is proposing to complete its season behind closed doors, with games starting again in mid-June.
League president Javier Tebas emphasized the importance of prioritizing people's health, stating, 'People's health is paramount, so we have a comprehensive protocol to safeguard the health of everyone involved as we work to restart La Liga.'
