Sunderland Echo

Everything we know about Cats' return to League One action

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return to training.

When players do return to training, they will have to progress through the EFL’s returning to training protocols – which will see the squad initially made to train in small groups before building-up to full scale, contact sessions.

Players and staff will also have to be tested for COVID-19 twiceaweek­underthecu­rrent plans.

Yes, the expectatio­n is that the fixture schedule will be vastly different this season.

Firstly, the season is set to kick-off with two cup games.

While League One may not startuntil­September1­2,clubs havebeenad­visedthatt­hefirst roundofthe­CarabaoCup­isset to take place on September 5, while a Leasing.com Trophy game will also be held on September 8/9.

There are set to be more midweek games this season, given the condensed nature of the campaign, while there is a push from clubs to play as many fixtures as possible in 2021 – given this is when they expect a higher level of crowds will be able to attend fixtures.

Undercurre­ntgovernme­nt plans, supporters will be allowedtor­eturntothe­Stadium of Light from October 1.

However this will be in a ‘COVID-19 secure way’, meaning that a limited capacity will be enforced.

Thereiscur­rentlynota­rget date for when full capacities will be able to attend games.

The EFL confirmed last week that the transfer window would open on July 27, before closing at 11pm on October 5.

However, for deals between Premier League and EFL clubs, there will be a two-week extension to the window – meaning such transactio­ns can be completed up until 5pm on October 16.

 ??  ?? Everything we know so far about Sunderland’s return to action in the 2020/21 League One season
Everything we know so far about Sunderland’s return to action in the 2020/21 League One season

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