As Premier League teams vote to return to training, here are the pros and cons

Bundesliga clubs returned to small group training on April 6 and now, the Premier League voted on Monday to follow suit from Tuesday morning.

This is 'phase one' of Project Restart, with the ultimate goal of the competition coming back next month, just like it did in Germany over the weekend.

Here, Sportsmail looks at the pros and cons of players returning to training in small groups.

PRO - COACHES SEE THEIR PLAYERS

Coaches will be able to interact with their players for first time in months.

There is only so much you can teach on Zoom, and only so many spinning or yoga sessions before players become disillusioned by them. These 75-minute sessions will give managers a better idea of their squads' fitness levels.

CON - MAXIMUM OF FIVE PLAYERS AT A TIME

Only five players are allowed in small groups at a time, with three members of staff overseeing them. They have to arrive in their own cars, and bring their own drinks.

There will be no congregation allowed in communal areas, such as medical rooms and the gym, and equipment is limited.

PRO - PLAYER COMPETITION IS BACK

Sportsmail spoke to one coach who says even training in these small groups will bring back a sense of competition between the players.

It is hoped this will boost morale among squads. Players will be told of their training session the night before via email and what it will entail.

CON - BUT THEY'RE STILL TWO METRES APART

Players still have to try to adhere to social distancing, keeping a two-metre distance between one another.

Tackling and congested training is off limits, so that piggy-in-the-middle exercise we see so often during warm-ups won't be getting used. Expect lots of passing, shooting, crossing and finishing drills.

PRO - PLAYERS ARE GETTING TESTED

There will be testing galore. Players are set to be tested twice a week, with these privately sourced so that clubs are not acting as a drain on the NHS. All players and staff must be tested 48 hours before attending training, hence why some clubs have started this process.

CON - BUT WHAT IF A PLAYER TESTS POSITIVE?

What if a player tests positive in a squad? That individual will then have to isolate for at least seven days.

But what about the rest of his team-mates who he has been working alongside in that small group of his? What if they catch the virus, too? That is what is concerning clubs.

PRO - COVID-19 OFFICERS ARE IN PLACE

Clubs have appointed COVID-19 officers dedicated to keeping players and members of staff at the training grounds safe.

According to a hygiene guideline document sent to clubs, his or her job will be 'devising and administering the COVID-19 operational policy'. All precautions are being taken to bring football back, but bring it back safely.

CON - BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE WAIVERS?

Sportsmail reported previously that players and staff would be asked to sign individual coronavirus agreements as part of Project Restart.

Several Premier League stars have gone public with their concerns, the latest being Raheem Sterling. Will they sign this document? If not, they will not be allowed access.

PRO - FOOTBALL IS ON ITS WAY BACK

Remember, Germany had to go through all of this before the Bundesliga got going again. This is a major hoop that the Premier League must jump through if the competition is to restart.

The Germans have shown it can be done, and they returned to action in a professional manner, even practising social distancing with their celebrations.

CON - BUT SO ARE INJURIES

There is a fear of a higher risk of injuries.

Players need a proper pre-season, with former Arsenal and England physio Gary Lewin telling Sportsmail: 'It's a bit like a boxer being asked to get really fit, but not punch anyone, and then go into a ring and fight.'

It doesn't help that ice baths and cryogenic chambers at Premier League training grounds are off limits.