Albion believe players will need four weeks to get up to speed for nine crucial fixtures.

That would appear to be in line with the consensus view among Premier League clubs as they plot a return to action.

Prem chief executive Richard Masters said: “We have talked about four weeks of training but haven’t agreed yet as we haven’t agreed to go back to training yet.”

Albion technical director Dan Ashworth says a plan is in place.

He added: "Players aren’t coming from zero like they would in pre-season. Most clubs will have been doing that, and remotely too. 

“It’s not ideal and we’d argue for every week off we’d need the equivalent preparation time.

"But we have to be as pragmatic as possible to get the season finished while not impacting the players' health and well-being.

“There will be less rest time and perhaps using a bigger squad with some under-23 members will be an option.

"But nobody knows what the framework will look like in terms of returning to training.”

Albion last played on March 7, when they drew 0-0 at Wolves.