Pictures: Key Arsenal duo return to training ahead of pre-season friendlies

Arsenal duo Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez returned to pre-season training on Thursday afternoon after summer breaks.

The two midfielders spent extra time away from club football after long and difficult campaigns with their respective countries.

Alexis took Chile all of the way at this summer’s Copa America – being named Player of the Tournament as he helped his nation to win the biggest prize in North/South American football for the second season in a row. Meanwhile, Ramsey impressed for the Welsh side at Euro 2016 – far exceeding expectations by helping the British side get to the semi-finals of the tournament, only to be knocked out by eventual winners Portugal.

Arsenal face FK Viking on Friday evening before playing against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in their final games of their pre-season schedule, with the pair expected to play a part as they bid to step up their prepations ahead of the new campaign.

The Gunners start the season with a home fixture against Liverpool and will have a mostly full strength squad apart from absentees Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud – all of whom are still on their holidays. Danny Welbeck and Per Mertesacker are definitely out injured for the long-term, while Jack Wilshere could also miss the start of the season with a knee problem.