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The 25-year-old was one of PNE’s walking wounded before football closed down because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Pearson suffered a hamstring strain during the 2-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion on February 25.

He missed the following two games but had hoped to get back to action for the Derby game which was scheduled for March 21.

Ben Pearson scores for PNE against Barnsley earlier in the season

Of course that plan fell by the wayside when the season was suspended.

Pearson’s hamstring is now healed but his rehab and strength work is having to be done remotely, so to speak.

He is doing the work at home, guided by PNE physio Matt Jackson via messaging.

In an interview with North End’s official website, Pearson gave an update on his fitness and how he was keeping active during the shutdown.

Preston North End midfielder Ben Pearson in action in the victory against Wigan Athletic in February

Pearson said: “It has given me time to let my hamstring heal and I can do my strength work and my fitness work, so I am back ready.

“It has scuppered the rehab a little bit. I would much prefer to be in the training ground under the guidance of the physio, just so I can get it perfect, rather than having to do it myself.

“I have been guided through it by Jacko through messages and phone calls, but having that equipment at training and having the knowhow of a physio around you, gives you less doubt when you return.

“When we do come back, hopefully I will have a couple of weeks to properly work with the physios and get back to training and get back ready.”

There is no return date yet for football and fighting the Covid-19 outbreak is the country’s focus. Only when it is safe will the season resume, which will possibly be in the summer months.

When that does happen, Pearson will be key for North End as they look to cement a play-off place in the nine games which are left.

He is undoubtedly one of the best holding midfielders in the Championship and makes PNE tick.

Pearson’s discipline has improved this campaign.

Last season he missed 13 games through suspension after three red cards and 14 bookings.

So far this season Pearson has missed just one game because of a ban - that for clocking-up five yellow cards.

Homeworking is helping Preston North End midfielder recover from injury