Former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson has cast doubt over the suggestion that the Premier League could return as soon as April.
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to sweep across the globe, all top-flight matches in England have been postponed until April 3 at the earliest.
The decision came following positive test results for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Thompson believes that it will not be feasible for the season to be up and running again next month.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Thompson said: "I think they're just giving themselves breathing time and it's very difficult to see it get up and running then.
"They'll be having meetings and every day it will change. I'm watching Sky News every day and it's changing by the hour. Things are changing all the time.
"Playing behind closed doors is a contentious issue. I believe football is nothing without the fans, it's a fans game and I like to think it could resume and the fixtures will be completed.
"As Jurgen Klopp said there are bigger issues to be concerned about but it would be good to get the fixtures completed because there's so many issues to be decided."
The Premier League is scheduled to hold a meeting next Thursday in order to devise an action plan for the remainder of the season.
Ben Knapton
