Albion are facing up to at least six more weeks without football.

The Premier League will remain on hold until at least April 30 after clubs discussed the implications of coronavirus by conference call.

That means a best-case scenario of 42 more days of inactivity, with the situation being reviewed regularly in the meantime.

Extension to the shutdown came as no surprise and four more matches will now be postponed.

But clubs have reiterated their determination to see the 2019-20 season through, which would mean extending the cut-off date by which fixtures must be completed.

Albion board members discussed developments yesterday. Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber, pictured, was also due to talk to staff and commercial partners as a top priority.

A more public reaction to events is expected today.

Albion must decide what to do with players who will have gone almost two months without a match, even if action resumes on April 30, among many issues to discuss.

Players have decided NOT to return to Lancing for a meeting today and will instead be consulted by telephone. The continued suspension applies to all teams, including the under-23s and women.

Matches which will definitely need to be re-arranged are at home to Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City, plus the trip to Norwich along with the already-postponed games at Leicester and at home to Arsenal.

The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, issued a joint statement.

It read: “We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019-20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

“We have collectively supported UEFA in postponing EURO 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played.”