"It’s like a war with an invisible enemy" - Garry Monk extends message to Sheffield Wednesday fans amid coronavirus crisis

The Owls are nearing the end of their second week away from the training ground with all professional football suspended by the authorities until April 30. The EFL have advised clubs not to return to training until April 14 at the earliest, though both dates are expected to be put back.

In a message to supporters, Monk made clear the importance of following Government guidelines put in place to limit the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, maintaining his ‘overriding thought’ was for the health of the ‘wider community’.

The Star understands that no Wednesday player or staff has yet reported symptoms to the club and that players are busy going about their bespoke training programmes at their homes.

“We were very well prepared with the input of Tony Strudwick and the club doctor, Richard Higgins,” Monk told swfc.co.uk, before admitting an imminent return to football is unlikely.

“I think we are all in agreement that we would like to finish this season properly but as with a lot of things right now it is still unclear how and when that will be possible. So we will have to wait until the governing authorities give us all the clarity.

“I am in touch every day with officials from the club on various matters but as I write, there is no likelihood of coming back on the near horizon.

“As much as we all miss it, it is absolutely right that we cannot even begin to think about resuming normal training and playing again until the threat to health has gone.

“It has to be a completely safe environment for everyone and these decisions will be left to those who are qualified to make the calls.

“I’m hungry to get back, the players are hungry and I’m sure you are too but we have to be guided by those who know best.”