ARSENAL stars have returned to training after 47 days away during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Gunners are the first Premier League team to return to action.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus in sport live blog for the latest news & updates
Hector Bellerin didn’t look all that happy to be back trainingCredit: ISO Images
David Luiz has arrived for Arsenal training after 47 days awayCredit: Reuters
Alexandre Lacazette rolled in in his Mercedes for the first day backCredit: ISO Images
Defender David Luiz and reserve keeper Emiliano Martinez were the first couple of players to be pictured arriving at the London Colney training centre in Hertfordshire.
SunSport revealed at the weekend that the Gunners are returning to training.
Arsenal’s ten-pitch Hertfordshire HQ will be strictly conforming to the Government’s social-distancing rules — with players working on a different pitch and will have their own footballs to avoid any threat of cross-contamination.
A club source revealed: “We have been looking at opening up the training ground for a couple of weeks now because our players have been in lockdown longer than any other clubs.
“The players will continue to train in strict isolation on separate pitches and will not be allowed to mingle or socialise together.”
Defender Sokratis will be hoping to lace on the boots for some more actionCredit: ISO Images
Arsenal reserve keeper Emiliano Martinez driving into the Hertfordshire training baseCredit: Reuters
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – BE IN THE KNOW
Get the latest coronavirus news, facts and figures from around the world – plus essential advice for you and your family.
To receive our Covid-19 newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page.
The return to Colney is strictly voluntary although the vast majority of the 25-man senior squad are expected to take advantage of the opportunity today.
And the decision came just days after four Arsenal players – Nicolas Pepe, Granit Xhaka, Luiz and Alexandre Lacazette – were reminded of the club’s isolation rules.
The players will travel alone to the training ground in groups of five for a series of daily one-hour work-outs which will be supervised by the club’s fitness coaches and medical staff.
There will be no access to the gym or changing rooms as all the buildings will remain locked, which means players will have to arrive in their training kit and go home to shower.
It is not yet known if boss Mikel Arteta, who became British football’s first coronavirus victim last month, will be joining the sessions.
But the manager is likely to be present after receiving the all-clear to return to work following his illness.
Arteta had a coronavirus test on March 10 after he started to feel sick and he was diagnosed as positive with the illness two days later.
Give now to The Sun’s NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www.thesun.co.uk/whocareswinsappeal
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
