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Championship clubs to start coronavirus testing this week

Championship footballers expected to be tested twice a week in line with the Premier League players

Leeds vs West Brom, EFL

Championship clubs will begin testing their players for coronavirus on Thursday and Friday ahead of a potential return to training next Monday.

Although recent advice recommended players are tested once a week, it is thought Championship clubs will follow the Premier League's decision to test their players twice a week.

Test results will be analysed within 24 hours and Sky Sports News understands those test results will not be made public.

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Speaking to Sky Sports News last week, Charlton manager Lee Bowyer said relegating his team on a points-per-game basis if the Championship season cannot be finished would 'kill' the London club

All 24 Championship clubs have already informed the EFL which of their players they intend to include as part of the testing programme.

One Championship club has told Sky Sports News any players or members of the backroom staff who have not been tested, will not be allowed inside the training ground next Monday.

The club also explained ground staff will leave the training ground before players arrive for training.

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What next for the Championship?

Clubs have been told not to return to training until May 25 at the earliest but there remains no further clarity on when the Championship might return or any potential play-offs will take place.

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As it stands the Championship is still intent on completing the season when possible, and their decision will remain linked to what the Premier League decide to do. Leeds and West Brom currently occupy the top two spots and will be keeping a keen eye on proceedings.

EFL chairman Rick Parry said earlier this month he still expects three clubs to be promoted from the Championship to the Premier League.

"We expect three Championship clubs to be promoted - the Premier League are aware of our position on that. The Premier League expects three clubs to be relegated," he said.

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Sky Sports News' chief reporter Bryan Swanson reports as Premier League clubs vote unanimously to return to training in small groups from Tuesday

PL clubs to return to training on Tuesday

Meanwhile, Premier League clubs have unanimously voted in favour of resuming training in small groups from Tuesday, with a return to top-flight football edging closer.

League officials, medical experts and representatives from all 20 sides held talks on Monday via a video conference call and agreed to stage one of the return to training protocols.

In a statement, the Premier League said: "This first stage has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and the government.

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Speaking last week, Norwich captain Grant Hanley said there are still many questions that need to be answered before Premier League football can return

"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.

"Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed."

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