OXFORD United have given their players the option to use the training ground for their individual fitness programmes.

The English Football League, who will hold a key conference call with member clubs this morning, have extended the period in which squads cannot train together.

Following a board meeting on Wednesday, they have added another nine days to the coronavirus guidelines, so teams cannot hold full sessions until at least May 25.

United’s players are on furlough, but have been provided with drills to follow on their own if they wish.

Chris Wilder: Oxford United play-off win still means so much

And since the government rules allowing travel were changed this week, the squad have the opportunity to use the facilities near Horspath.

About half a dozen locally-based players have asked to book slots. It ensures only one or two players are at the vast training ground at any one time, while other strict social distancing rules also apply.

Boss Karl Robinson said: “It’s important that they keep ticking over.

“One or two live in apartments and have been struggling for suitable surfaces to run on – the last thing we need is someone rolling an ankle.

“They asked if they could come in, so we made that an option and as long as it is safe and organised properly then it just means the local lads can get some quality work done.

“They aren’t using the buildings, they are in their own kit and hopefully it won’t be too long before we can start moving up a gear and train together once more.”

United have said their preference is to play the remaining games, providing it is safe.

The conclusion to the season will be on the agenda at today’s EFL meeting, although it is thought unlikely any firm decisions will be made at this point.