Arsenal to Allow Players Begin Training at Colney

By Adedapo Adesanya

Arsenal are set to open their London Colney training ground to their players next week for individual training.

The club added that it will do this as it continues to observe social distancing rules amid the coronavirus outbreak.

This was disclosed in a statement on Saturday, making the first time since football activities in England were suspended indefinitely last month due to the virus.

“Players will be permitted access to the Colney grounds next week.

“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,” the club added.

The North London club’s manager, Mr Mikel Arteta, was diagnosed with the virus in early March and this led to the suspension of the league.

Premier League clubs have been working on the basis that the earliest they may be allowed to resume training would be in early May.

The British government is expected to review current lockdown restrictions on May 7.

And if this happens, teams would need two to three weeks to get prepared to play competitive matches, making the earliest possible return in June.

But with the ban on mass public gatherings likely to be one of the last restrictions to be lifted, rescheduled games will almost certainly be held behind closed doors.

And since all teams have shown interest in completing the suspended league season, the season will resume following the lifting of lockdown.