Albion's return to Premier League action appears to be a step closer after players and staff were tested for Covid-19.

But there remain concerns about a resumption of action next month.

Six individuals, from three different clubs out of 19 tested, came up positive and went into a seven-day period of self-isolation. In total, 748 people were tested.

The Premier League are not identifying clubs or individuals involved in positive tests but Burnley have confirmed one of them was their assistant boss Ian Woan.

It is understood the 20th club were only tested yesterday and results will be included in Saturday’s update.

The figures were widely, if not universally, interpreted as good news but it remains early days for Project Restart.

Socially-distant training is resuming while clubs study a plan to move things on, which will be discussed next week.

Troy Deeney, skipper of Albion’s survival rivals Watford, has refused to return to training.

And former Seagulls midfielder Michael Bennett, now director of player welfare at the PFA, reports concern from BAME players.

Tests are due to take place twice a week, with 40 being carried out at each club in each session.

Bennett said: “I have spoken to players, particularly from a BAME group, because of concerns over contracting the virus.

“I’m not sure how significant (the risk) is in that particular area. All we can do is talk to them about that.

“There have been players that have come on to me with concerns about going back because of health issues and I want to put on record that, from a PFA welfare point of view, the health and safety of players has to come first before anything else.”

Deeney said: “It only takes one person to get infected within the group and I don’t want to be bringing that home.

“My son is only five months old, he had breathing difficulties, so I don’t want to come home to put him in more danger.”