Arsenal’s first-team squad have returned to individual training at London Colney as the Premier League targets a June 12 return following the coronavirus outbreak. 

The club’s St Albans-based training complex is now open for the first time since March following head coach Mikel Arteta’s positive Covid-19 test, as the Gunners prepare for a possible return to action. 

Arsenal have taken steps to avoid the spread of the virus though, with staggered arrivals, individual sessions, no showers and no post-session meal among the measures put in place. 

The club have also made the sessions optional, and although most of the squad reported for their allocated sessions, boss Arteta and his coaching staff were not present.  

Sessions were instead led by fitness and conditioning coach Shad Forsythe and his team, with five players training at once on London Colney’s 10 pitches using their own set of footballs. 

Arsenal could be back on action on June 12, if the Premier League’s plan for games to take place at neutral grounds is approved by the Government. 

The league’s 20 shareholder clubs discussed plans to recommence action in a more than three-and-a-half-hour meeting over the weekend, with the Premier League determined to finish the season following the coronavirus outbreak. 

In line with police advice, the neutral venues should, if possible, be away from congested urban areas, with the Emirates Stadium among those being considered. 

No club will be allowed to play in their own home ground in a bid to equalise fixtures, while no date has been given for when supporters can return to watch games. 

The Premier League’s plan to resume the season would need Government approval, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson signalling the national lockdown will only be eased in stages and not before next Thursday. 

Games could also be shorter than 90 minutes if Gordon Taylor gets his way, after the PFA chief executive suggested fixtures be reduced in length when football resumes.