Arsenal players given permission to return to training in small groups

The London-based side sent all of their players into self isolation after manager Mikel Arteta tested positive of the coronavirus.

As the Premier League still remains shut due to the covid-19 outbreak around Europe, Arsenal have become the first club to allow their players to resume training at their London Colney training base for the first time since manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the virus.

It’s been over a month when the Gunners last trained together at their facility, but they will now allow small group of players to train at their facility instead of roaming around the city for their exercises.

A club spokesperson confirmed the news to the Evening Standard and said, “Players will be permitted access to our London Colney training grounds next week,” a club spokesperson confirmed.

“Access will be limited, carefully managed and social distancing will be maintained at all times. All Colney buildings remain closed. Players will travel alone, do their individual workout and return home.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean that the entire first-team will be allowed to do the training nor will Arteta be present to oversee their process. Only a few players can do their exercises for a very limited period of time before having to return home.

Arsenal sent all their players into self-isolation last month after Arteta tested positive for the coronavirus, following the UEFA Europa League meeting with Olympiakos, who’s chairman was the carrier of the deadly virus.

That news spiralled the Premier League into suspending it’s season indefinitely, as no team has managed to hold training as the situation only gets worse around the UK. Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho tried holding a secret training session with Tanguy N’dombele and Serge Aurier a few weeks back before being reprimanded for breaking rules.

While the Premier League’s return date is still unconfirmed, there are possibilities it could return within a few weeks with the UK government planning on resuming a few sports in some capacity.

However, the Bundesliga is likely to return as early as May 9 after it’s authorities confirmed they are ready to resume the season by following all safety measures including testing and social distancing for its players.

Arsenal’s move could perhaps inspire other Premier League clubs to allow their players to slowly return to training in their own grounds soon, with Manchester United hoping to return to first-team training in May.