Forty four days after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, forcing a shutdown of the club’s training ground, the club’s players are to return to work.

On Monday, London Colney, the Gunners HQ, will host Arteta’s squad again in a partial re-opening, as the north Londoners take a small step towards normality amid the killer global pandemic.

In order to adhere to government guuidelines, the players’ return to training will be tailored around individual workouts on a strict rota basis - and not will include group training sessions on the site’s 10 manicured pitches, which have been tended by a small number of staff during the Covid-19 shutdown.

No formal coaching sessions

There will be no official coaching sessions by Arteta and his backroom staff as Arsenal explained in a statement.

It is understood that the players will be operating on a rota system, with small groups on site at any one time to avoid overcrowding and breaching government guidelines. 

The training ground’s 10 pitches, which have been maintained by a skeleton staff over the past six weeks while the complex was officially closed, will be put to full use in order to ensure there is no overcrowding while members of the team work alone.

Drills overseen by coaching staff are not yet in Arsenal’s thinking.

“Players will be permitted access to our London Colney training grounds next week,” the club said in a statement, adding: “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.”

Players reminded of their responsibilities

The move comes days after the north Londoners reminded the squad of their responsibilities during lockdown following news that Alexandre Lacazette, David Luiz, Nicolas Pepe and Granit Xhaka were pictured breaking social distancing instructions.

Former Lyon striker Lacazette was pictured standing next to too close the valet of his car. Luiz and Xhaka were seen having an impromptu kickabout in a park, while Nicolas Pepe was witnessed playing football with friends.

UK government regulations say you can only exercise on your own or with people you live with. Also, if you have to go outside, you should stay more than two metres (six feet) apart from anyone other than members of your own household.