Protected by red masks, Southampton stars make a cautious return to training - in pictures

The Saints squad were sticking all the new rules

Oriol Romeu as Southampton players return to training following Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed, at the Staplewood Campus in Southampton, England. Getty

James Ward-Prowse as Southampton return to training. Getty

Will Smallbone as Southampton return to training following Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed. Getty

Jack Stephens as Southampton return to training following Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed. Getty

Fitness Coach Steve Wright cleans down equipment after use as Southampton players return to training. Getty

Michael Obafemi as Southampton return to training following Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed. Getty

Ryan Bertrand (C) as Southampton return to training following Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed. Getty

Oriol Romeu (L) as Southampton return to training following Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed. Getty

Wearing masks and adhering to social distancing, Southampton players made a cautious return to training on Tuesday ahead of the Premier League's return in June.

The Saints players worked out in small groups with contact training not yet permitted.

Testing for coronavirus at top-flight clubs has taken place over the last two days and will continue throughout the training period.

The league was suspended on March 13 but no date for a resumption has yet been fixed.

The protocols were presented to players and managers on conference calls which took place last week.

A Premier League statement read: “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.”

The return to training is part of the Premier League's plan to return to behind-closed-doors action with June 12 a possible resumption date.

Southampton were seven points clear of the relegation zone when the lockdown began.