Arsenal are taking the initiative and opening discussions with other top Premier League clubs over when their players should return to training.

According to The Telegraph, club doctor Gary O’Driscoll took the lead in opening discussions with the other clubs over the next steps Arsenal should take.

As a result, despite reaching the end of the self-isolation period from Mikel Arteta’s positive test, the club announced today that they believe it still isn’t safe to return to the training pitches.

This is obviously a very tricky situation. With the Premier League refusing to call off the season entirely, it’s a tough call when to restart squad training. At first, the PL delayed until April 4th, then April 30th, and it’s very possible that continues.

No club want their players to be the only ones not ready for the conclusion to the season. At the same time, no one wants to send players back too soon and end up with another outbreak.

The best solution is clearly an open conversation between the clubs. That way we can hopefully ensure player safety and a fair return to match action.