Remarkable aerial images have been taken showing Arsenal’s players training on one pitch each at the club’s Colney base in their first session back after coronavirus lockdown.
After 47 days away from their HQ due to coronavirus restrictions, the Gunners were permitted to train separately and pictures that were taken from a helicopter show the measures taken to enforce social distancing.
Five players at a time were allowed to train on the ten-pitch complex, meaning each man had plenty of space.
Balls, cones and training gear were seen scattered on the pristine turf while one player set about performing running drills.
Each member of the senior squad had to travel alone and Emilio Martinez pulled up in his convertible red Corvette while David Luiz was pictured rolling up to the facility near St Albans shortly afterwards.
Alexandre Lacazette was among the first group with the French striker driving into work in his Mercedes.
And Hector Bellerin was also among the stars snapped behind the wheel as he wore earphones while entering Colney while Pablo Mari was kitted out in a patterned jumper.
The government has urged the Premier League to try to get games back on by June to lift the mood of the country and Arsenal’s return to action, albeit in isolation, is an encouraging step.
West Ham revealed on Monday that they will allow their players to train at their training ground in a similar setup to Arsenal’s and Brighton are going to open up their facility too. Chelsea and Tottenham are considering similar moves.
The Premier League has been suspended since March 13, but there are plans to continue matches behind closed doors in an attempt to finish the current season.
Organisers have drawn up a plan called ‘Project Restart’ which could see matches played again as soon as June 8 at ‘approved neutral venues.’
It has been seven weeks since the Arsenal players were last able to train in the familiar surroundings but strict coronavirus guidelines are still in place.
A number of the team have experienced issues trying to go out for runs at home as fans are desperate to interact with them, get an autograph or a selfie, flouting the social distancing restrictions.
In fact, only last week Nicholas Pepe, Luiz and Xhaka were reminded of their responsibilities after they were pictured in public appearing to break social distancing rules.
The Gunners have been able to use fixed gym machines but struggled when it comes to working out in the open air with dynamic movement as public parks are more risky environments.