Slavia Prague begin training after Czech government gives clearance - in pictures

First step taken towards reopening league by first week of June

Slavia Prague fitness coach Martin Trasak during a training session in Czech Republic on Monday. EPA

Slavia Prague goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar during a training session on Monday. The Czech government allowed athletes to start training outdoors. EPA

Slavia Prague manager Jindrich Trpisovsky, right, during training on Monday. EPA

Slavia Prague players during a training session in Prague, Czech Republic. EPA

epa08373090 A handout photo made available by Slavia Prague shows players during team's training session in Prague, Czech Republic, 20 April 2020. Czech government allowed trainings of professional sportmen from 20 April 2020 as begun partially lifting the coronavirus measures to slow down the spread of the pandemic COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. EPA/MARTIN MALY / HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

The Czech government has allowed athletes to train outdoors in small groups. EPA

Slavia Prague shows goalkeepers Ondrej Kolar, left, and Premysl Kovar during training. EPA

Slavia Prague's Nicolae Stanciu, right, during training on Monday. EPA

Slavia Prague manager Jindrich Trpisovsky, right, with Mohamed Tijani. EPA

Slavia Prague started training on Monday after the Czech government allowed athletes to practice outdoors, albeit in small groups.

This has raised hopes, albeit minuscule, of professional football returning by first week of June, even if behind closed doors.

The Czech Republic has allowed stores and restaurants to reopen gradually over the next two months to revive the economy. The plan is to reopen theatres and other cultural and sporting venues for up to 50 people on June 8.

"If all goes well, then I think it realistic to have standard matches played as of June 8, with some technical background... I think matches without spectators could be played," Health Minister Adam Vojtech had said earlier.

The League Football Association, which manages the two top-tier competitions, is seeking to complete the season.

With six matches remaining of the regular season, holders Slavia Prague have an eight-point lead over Viktoria Plzen.

"Nothing has changed for us at the moment. We will continue to do the maximum so that this season can be completed on the pitch," LFA chairman Dusan Svoboda said in a statement.