The Arsenal squad returned to the training pitches on Monday, but they did so in far from a normal fashion, given the social distancing rules.

As we covered yesterday, Arsenal returned to the training pitches at London Colney this week. Some of the players were finding it difficult to go for a jog without fans asking for selfies, so they needed somewhere to train away from the public.

We now have further details about how this will work whilst maintaining social distancing.

Goal report that only five players will enter the complex at any one time, on a rota basis. Those five players will remain apart from each other at all times. They’ll each have their own footballs that only they use.

Players will turn up in training gear, rather than changing on-site, with all buildings closed. Some fitness and medical coaches will be around within earshot to assist if needs be. However, the players already know their training programme.

The Premier League know all about this plan, so there’s no risk of problems on that front.

Essentially, the players are just trading their local park for the London Colney pitches. They can go for a jog without interruption, and practice their passes, dribbling and shooting on a proper surface with full-size goals.

As long as they all follow the rules, it should be safer than the alternative.