Wolfsburg became the first club from Europe’s top five Leagues to resume the first-team training.
The club’s decision comes as a surprise, given the general need for social distancing to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“VfL Wolfsburg will return to training as planned on Monday 23 March, albeit under special conditions and adhering to strict hygiene measures,” said the statement.
“Starting early in the morning, head coach Oliver Glasner’s side will work in small groups at staggered intervals at the Volkswagen Arena, exclusively using the gym until further notice.”
VfL returned to training on Monday in small groups and with special protective measures in place.
Training in small groups ▶️ https://t.co/8TgjFALKGh#VfLWolfsburg pic.twitter.com/7qKYdNqPGQ
— VfL Wolfsburg EN (@VfLWolfsburg_EN) March 23, 2020
Managing director Jorg Schmadtke said: “As matters stand, matches will resume after 2 April. Even though that seems unrealistic, we need to take note of that and adapt to it.”
The Bundesliga is scheduled to resume after April 2, with Wolfsburg due to travel to Bayer Leverkusen two days later in a game that looks unlikely to be played given the global pandemic.
.@NoelleMaritz completed an individual session 💪#VfLWolfsburg pic.twitter.com/qIX7UCcR1B
— VfL Wolfsburg EN (@VfLWolfsburg_EN) March 23, 2020
Germany’s death toll has risen to 93 and chancellor Angela Merkel already announced a ban on public meetings of more than two people, but a statement on Wolfsburg’s official website said training would take place in small groups.
The Bundesliga is also expected to extend postponement measures beyond April 3 in the next 48 hours.