Prem League clubs step up preparations

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal were among the clubs who stepped up their preparations for the Premier League’s return by holding practise matches yesterday.

Clubs are attempting to build up players’ fitness as well as get used to playing without fans before the league resumes on June 17, following a 100-day suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The league also announced yesterday that the sixth round of COVID-19 testing of 1,195 players and staff across the 20 clubs on Thursday and Friday produced no positives.

Arsenal, which will be in action on the first night back away to Manchester City, hosted second-tier side Charlton at the Emirates Stadium. Eddie Nketiah scored a hat trick in a 6-0 win for the Gunners.

Manchester United, which play Tottenham in their Premier League return on June 19, staged an inter-squad friendly at Old Trafford.