Coronavirus UK: Carlo Ancelotti insists Premier League stars can recover in two weeks from break

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti believes his players will require just 14 days to recover before returning to action following the suspension of the Premier League season due to coroanvirus 

The Toffees’ last match was a 4-0 defeat at Chelsea on March 8 and it is unlikely the Premier League will resume again until May at the earliest.

Ancelotti is keen that no team gains an advantage when football does return, but also emphasised that player safety came first. 

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is confident players can recover fitness quickly this season

‘We will see what will come from the meeting. One of the important aspects is that all the clubs resume at the same time,’ Ancelotti told L’Equipe. 

‘To make sure that there are no disparities, that no one has an advantage over the others.’

‘After that, it doesn’t matter how long we have been on a break. Today’s players can physically recover in 15 days.

‘I know it’s a lot, but a player has no problem playing a game after seven to eight weeks of rest. He will obviously not be 100 per cent once he returns, but he has the ability to play, I have no doubts about that.

‘All teams will be in the same physical condition. We will train by playing.’

The Toffees suffered defeat by Chelsea in their last match before the shutdown

Ancelotti also revealed he would be happy for matches to be carried out behind closed doors if the season can continue. 

‘It doesn’t matter when you restart. First, you need to make sure everything is safe, and everyone is protected.

‘The players certainly, but also the people who work around the games, like journalists, security…

‘Playing behind closed doors is not the best option for football, but if it’s necessary to ensure everyone’s safety, it should be an option.’