Ben Osborn reveals how Sheffield United are stepping up preparations for trip to Aston Villa and big season restart
Sheffield United are staging a series of inter-squad training games as they look to step up their preparations for their trip to Aston Villa in two weeks.
United's players will be amongst the first back in action after the Premier League was suspended because of coronavirus, when they travel to Villa Park to play behind-closed-doors.
United have been back at their training ground since they were given the all-clear to do so by the Government, and recently returned to full-contact training.
And full-back Ben Osborn revealed today that United's players have also been put through their paces in behind-closed-door games amongst themselves, as they look to return to some kind of match sharpness ahead of the big season restart.
"We had a rigorous programme when we were sent home in lockdown," Osborn revealed.
"We only had a week off and otherwise we are keeping as fit as we can do. The sessions we have had are pretty tough and we were
back here as soon as we were allowed. It's been like a pre-season, if not harder.
"We've just been trying to get some minutes in with behind closed doors between ourselves.
"The club might also be trying to get some friendlies if it gets passed by the league and the government.
"We did 50 minutes the other day and stepped it up to 70 today. There'll be a couple more next week, to try and get that fitness and intensity back."