By David Woods

3rd May, 2020 | 10:38am

MOT View: Bundesliga setback could lead to Leeds being handed promotion

The Bundesliga was set to show the way forward to the rest of the footballing world – and hopefully help get Leeds United back on the pitch.

Teams are back in group training and games were set to re-start next weekend.

That’s still the plan but there’s been a big setback. Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reported that three Cologne players have tested positive for Coronavirus and will now self-isolate for 14 days.

Training is continuing as normal for now but this has to be seen as a major setback.

If this pattern was repeated across other teams in the Bundesliga, we can’t see the league continuing.

And if this is happening in Germany, it’s very likely the pattern will be repeated in the UK, where the outbreak is worse.

There’s a huge amount of sensitivity around the re-start of the Premier League and the Championship. The government has already come in for criticism around its handling of the situation and will not want high-profile football players getting sick on their watch.

The next week is absolutely crucial. The government is set to make an announcement around the UK lockdown on May 7.

The Premier League’s next meeting is May 8.

If there are any more instances of Coronavirus among Bundesliga teams, we can see the current seasons being ended early.

The good news for Leeds fans is that UEFA and the EFL want leagues to be decided on sporting merit if fixtures can’t be completed.

That would see Leeds promoted – as long as the Premier League play ball and either relegate teams or agree to an expanded 20/21 season.

In other Leeds United news, Adam Pope: Trusted source has told me nine-game finish to EFL season put forward on Friday