Leeds United's Championship rivals introduce extreme training methods amid coronavirus outbreak

Leeds United's Championship rivals Bristol City have introduced new training measures amid the current coronavirus outbreak.

The EFL announced on Friday that all fixtures would be suspended immediately with a view to continuing the season on April 3.

The decision came at an emergency board meeting after a number of high profile cases in the Premier League with a number of top flight sides also having begun self-isolation amid the ongoing global health crisis.

Following the announcement the Robins have put in place individual training regimes for their squad members in a bid to protect their playing and backroom staff.

A statement read: "To reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 Bristol City have taken the decision that players and football staff will have a period of individual training away from the club’s Failand training base.

"Players have been issued with tailored programmes, including heart-rate monitors and fitness equipment, to prepare individually ahead of returning to squad training for the resumption of fixtures.

"The squad greatly value the support they receive from City fans but we would respectfully ask that, as per public health guidance, supporters do not shake hands with or ask players and coaches to sign autographs or pose for photographs in public places."

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta was revealed to have contracted coronavirus as was Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi on Thursday.

Everton, Arsenal and West Ham are among the Premier League teams who are self-isolating or have staff members doing so with several more sides in the EFL also taking similar steps as a precautionary measure.

Cardiff City revealed late on Friday that a member of their squad and another staff member were also self-isolating after Leeds saw their game with the Bluebirds postponed this weekend.

Clubs across England are continuing their preparations for the run-in with the current aim of restarting the season in three weeks time.

Senior figures across the game, though, have cast doubt over whether a resumption for the sport will be possible so quickly.

United are due to face Blackburn Rovers on Friday, April 3 under the lights at Ewood Park in front of the Sky Sports cameras, which would be the curtain raiser for the restart of the campaign.

Leeds are yet to make public their plans for players and staff amid the current hiatus but will hold a senior management meeting on Monday with managing director Angus Kinnear due to give an official update to supporters.