Head coach Graham Potter says the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is putting issues about training his players and when football might eventually resume into perspective.
He said, “This is an unprecedented situation in the world and we have to be very mindful that when people are dying of this illness it puts football into perspective.
“It is certainly challenging for everyone involved because the picture changes day by day, but the priority for us all has to be staying well and looking after friends and family.”
Albion’s squad will get together on Friday to discuss their next move with a meeting of Premier League clubs due to take place today. The players were told on Monday to be with their families and train at home for the rest of this week.
“It was a pretty sensible decision to make to send the players home,” added Potter. “They all want to be with their families and obviously it means that if anyone showed signs of the virus they could self-isolate and not risk contaminating anyone else in the group.
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“We’re concerned obviously about our players from overseas who can’t go home because non-essential travel is banned and we’re supporting them as much as we can.”
Albion are due to return to action on 4th April against Manchester United but Potter accepts it is more likely that the Premier League season will be put on hold for weeks or possibly months.
“We’ll take stock on Friday but it seems unlikely that any games will go ahead in the foreseeable future. We will plan as much as possible but this is a global situation and things are changing all the time. The players are pretty fit at this time of the season so they can just tick over at home if necessary.”
The enforced break has allowed striker Aaron Connolly [ankle] and midfielder Steven Alzate [groin] to have minor surgery and they are expected to be available again soon.
When that is remains to be seen, but Potter has a message for Albion fans in Sussex, the UK and throughout the world.
“Please, look after your families, friends and each other and stay safe. The thoughts of everyone in the club are with our supporters throughout the world and hopefully we will see you together at the Amex again soon.”