Kenny Jackett reveals training outlook after Portsmouth's scheduled return to work passes

Pompey have no scheduled return to training as the coronavirus crisis deepens.
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But Kenny Jackett has faith in his players to maintain their levels of fitness away from the training ground as the pandemic grips the globe.

Football has entered into an uncertain period, following the suspension of the English programme until April 30 at the earliest.

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Pompey were due to return to training yesterday, before the latest announcement last Thursday pushed back the original April 4 return to action.

Jackett explained that means there isn’t any timetable to get back to work at the club’s Roko base in Hilsea.

He said: ‘There isn’t (a return date).

‘The EFL guidelines are no groups until April 3.

‘They’re openly discouraging getting together in groups anyway.

Kenny JackettKenny Jackett
Kenny Jackett

‘That looks like it’s going to accelerate in terms of what they’re going to do and the general 2m rule.

‘There’s no games programme to work towards.

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‘We know it won’t be before a certain date (the suspension is lifted), but then it’s when will it be after.’

But even in the face of not being able to do meaningful football-based training, Jackett feels he can trust his men to keep up fitness levels away from the club.

He added: ‘Training together is a no-no at the moment, so it’s individually training and what’s the best way of doing that? That’s the big thing.

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People will stay fit and stay ready for when we do get back.

‘There’s constant communication about that and them taking responsibility for it.

‘That’s the best approach, then how and where you’re going to do it is important.’

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