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'You need five or six weeks to get into any sort of shape': Aston Villa star Matt Targett warns players will be lacking match fitness if the Premier League resumes next month and admits 'it felt so weird having a ball at your feet'

Aston Villa defender Matt Targett has cast doubt on the Premier League's plan to resume the season on June 19 by warning the players will be well short of top form if it does.

Top-flight clubs began training in small groups this week, with the plan to move to full-contact training in the near future as players and staff receive twice-weekly tests for coronavirus.

Manchester City star Raheem Sterling and former Arsenal and England physio Gary Lewin – who favours a June 26 return – have already warned of the dangers of returning to action too early.