Leyton Orient have been told to prepare for a return to action at short notice by the EFL in a letter sent to all clubs in its three divisions.

The letter details a plan from the EFL to have teams back training by May 16, if the coronavirus restrictions have been sufficiently eased by that point in time.

The letter also addressed the issue of a rumoured return date of 6 June, which has been spoken about by some clubs and would give players three weeks to regain match fitness.

The EFL suggest that no discussions have taken place concerning any official date for a resumption of play.

Instead, the league has told clubs to be prepared for action to resume ‘at relatively short notice’, while the idea of a three-week long period for teams to rebuild their match fitness has not been ruled out.

The letter tells teams that they are not bound by the league’s guidance, but does speak of a potential ‘negative perception’ should clubs return to training before lockdown measures are lifted.

The news comes following an open letter sent out by EFL chairman Rick Parry last week that told supporters it could be a while before football returns and that it is likely to be without supporters when it first resumes, but stated all games will hopefully be televised.

Parry wrote: “The point at which you [fans] will be able to attend games again remains unclear. Please be assured, however, that we are going to welcome you back to stadiums as soon as it is safe to do so. Your contribution to the matchday experience and atmospheres created in stadia up and down the country is something we should never take for granted. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you today when football will resume, though whenever we do return, matches are likely to be played without crowds.

“We will endeavour to bring live football direct into your homes once it returns.”