Sheffield United could look to ensure this subject is on the agenda of the next Premier League meeting

Top-flight clubs are scheduled to hold a crucial vote tomorrow, which could see restrictions on training sessions eased as the game attempts to emerge from the shadow of coronavirus.

Although player safety and June 12th’s proposed restart date are expected to dominate the talks, United are thought to be considering asking for further guidance on how the knockout competition will also be completed during the seven week window currently set aside for this term’s remaining games.

It has been two months since the fixture calendar was suspended when Arsenal, who have been drawn against Wilder’s side in the quarter-finals of the competition, announced their head coach Mikel Arteta had tested positive for Covid-19.

Wilder first approached the subject of the FA Cup during a video interview five days ago, telling The Star it remained high on United’s list of priorities despite acknowledging that reaching the last four would increase their workload should the PL implement plans to condense the 92 fixtures left on its schedule into a seven week window.

Although it has been organised by officials from the league’s headquarters in London, the FA are also set to be represented at the forthcoming teleconference with its chief executive Greg Clarke likely to take part.

Richard Masters, his counterpart at the PL, has confirmed the second round of testing designed to screen players and coaching staff for the respiratory disease returned two positive results - a decrease on the six identified when the programme was first rolled out earlier this month.

The reduction in cases, with 248 more people tested in this round, will be seen as a step forward for 'Project Restart' going into Tuesday's shareholders' meeting, where clubs are expected to debate the protocols of moving to contact training.

The six people who tested positive in the first round were not checked this time due to being in self-isolation, while the capacity of testing at each club has increased from 40 to 50.

United were seventh on the table when the campaign was mothballed because of the worsening health crisis; only five points outside the Champions League qualification positions having played a game less than fourth-placed Chelsea.

Despite insisting those players who have expressed fears about returning to action next month should be respected - “Everyone has their own individual situation. It’s up to individuals to decide” - Wilder described those under his command as being “unanimous” in their desire to begin competing again.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche, whose assistant Ian Woan is isolating after being diagnosed with coronavirus, has also urged other PL managers to put some of their concerns about preparation time aside in order to ensure ‘Project Restart’ remains on track.

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