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Bournemouth defender Diego Rico says they are expecting to return to training on April 6th although they don’t know if that is definite at this stage.

The Premier League is currently on lockdown as a result of the spread of COVID-19, with the league electing to suspend after Mikel Arteta tested positive 11 days ago.

They hope that the situation can return to normal at the end of April, with the league scheduled to return at that point.

Until then, Bournemouth and the rest of the Premier League clubs are left sitting and waiting, hoping that the UK can get control of the spread of the virus.

Rico is one of those who has travelled to his home country for the period of isolation, electing to return to Spain, which has also been hit hard by the virus, to be with his family.

He’s set to return at the end of the month, although admits he and his Bournemouth teammates don’t know if that’s for certain.

“I have to be there on April 6th, as we are scheduled to return to work,” he told Diario de Burgos.

“What we do not know is if that is going to be maintained or if they are going to extend it. They will tell me.

“I have spoken to the club and have told them to let me know as soon as they can in order to organise since here the situation is getting complicated for travelling.

“They are also aware of the circumstances in Spain.”

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The Spanish defender has also revealed he is feeling better at the South-East club after a difficult first season with them.

He joined in a £13m deal from Leganés last summer, but only managed 16 appearances in all competitions.

He has already surpassed that this season, establishing himself as a first-team regular in the Premier League with 21 appearances so far.

That’s something he’s happy about, admitting he had struggled to adapt to life in a different country last season.

“I was happy because I was having more continuity than last season and I was much better,” he added.

“It really shows. I’ve had to adapt to a different competition, and it is difficult at first, although it’s all about getting in and moving forward as fast as possible.

“Everything is different there. The first year was when I noticed it most because everything was new.”