KARL Robinson has his fingers crossed for some good news this week when the government gives an update on the coronavirus lockdown.

While the football authorities have been in detailed discussions about how a return could be structured, nothing can happen until they get permission from above.

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Oxford United’s head coach is hoping the conditions will improve to allow some relaxation of the rules.

Robinson said: “The longer this goes on the harder it’s becoming, that’s not just players but everyone.

“I think there’s a realisation of how lucky we’ve been with the weather up until the last few days.

“Let’s just see where we are on May 7 and where that (announcement) takes us.

“We do hope everyone is OK.”

United’s players were put into the furlough scheme last month, which has strict conditions on not being able to work.

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It means although Robinson remains in close contact with them, it is not as structured as before while they use this period to have a break.

The U’s boss said: “I’ve spoken to a lot over the phone, but we’ve given them time away from each other.

“We’ve got optional things going on which if they want to join they can, but it’s up to them.”