First pictures as Arsenal stars return to training at London Colney

Arsenal players have returned to training at their London Colney base today as Mikel Arteta's squad observe strict social distancing guidelines.

After 47 days away from their HQ due to coronavirus restrictions, the Gunners players were permitted to train separately and pictures taken from a helicopter show the measures taken to enforce social distancing. 

Premier League teams are stepping up preparations for football to return as early as June 8.

A meeting of Premier League shareholders is pencilled in for this Friday, with plans for resumption of the campaign expected to gather pace.

Arsenal's first-team squad arrived at London Colney today in small groups for individual training work, though attendance was not compulsory.

Social distancing measures were maintained, with no more than five players allowed on each of the complex's 10 pitches at once and sessions lasting no more than an hour. Players arrived and departed in training kit.

A small group of staff were in attendance, although it was unclear if manager Mikel Arteta, who tested positive for the virus last month, was present today.

The club's decision came after they were forced to remind players of social distancing guidelines after Nicolas Pepe, David Luiz and Granit Xhaka were caught training in public last week.