Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi: I don't have a life without football

The top flight is currently suspended until the end of April at the earliest due to the coronavirus pandemic and Villa last week cancelled group training sessions and closed their Bodymoor Heath base.

Players have been given individual training programmes to carry out at home and will be kept informed of any changes in situation by the club, who will monitor government advice before making any decision to re-open their facilities.

El Ghazi admits the lack of interaction with team-mates and the fact there are currently no matches to aim for has left him at something of a loss.

He said: “Training is suspended and right now I'm still at home.

“It's a really strange feeling. The weirdest feeling I have is that I've found that I really don't have a life without football.

“Usually you get up and go to training, and you are already busy preparing for the next fight.

“Now I get up and jog a little, do some exercises in the garden, but I don't feel like I'm getting anything out of the day. It indicates that football is really my life.”

The season was suspended with Villa sat 19th in the table, still with 10 matches left to play. Talks remain ongoing as to how best to conclude the campaign.