This Premier League restriction will hinder Newcastle United

Top-flight clubs have been given the go-ahead to arrange practice games against outside opposition ahead of a proposed June 17 restart, according to PA.

Newcastle’s players, out of action since mid-March when football was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, are now in contact training after a successful return last month.

PA report that clubs can organise friendlies, which must be officiated by members of staff, at their training grounds or stadiums, though one restriction will hinder United. Teams, it’s reported, will not be allowed to travel more than 90 minutes for a friendly, which would make playing a Premier League side a non-starter given that players must go to these games in their own cars to maintain social distancing off the pitch.

A number of clubs have already played internal games.