Arsenal is set for an important trip to Dubai as part of their mid-season break, following a busy and demanding period for the team. With a string of 11 matches in 36 days, the defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup highlighted the need for some rest.
After being knocked out of the FA Cup and progressing to the later stages of the Champions League, Arsenal now has a rare break in their fixture schedule this weekend.
For the second consecutive year, the Gunners have arranged a warm-weather training trip to Dubai, hoping that team bonding and recovery will help them regain top form. Last year, this break had a positive impact, with the team losing just once and drawing once in the Premier League from late January until May. This time, Arteta hopes it could give Arsenal a strong push for the title, while also keeping their Champions League hopes alive.
The squad will fly out on Thursday, February 6, with some exciting additions to the usual first-team roster. According to The Athletic, academy stars Max Dowman and Jack Porter are included, despite youth team fixtures taking place over the weekend. Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who were in similar positions just months ago, will also be part of the trip.
Some injured players are expected to travel as well, allowing them to continue their rehabilitation in Dubai. This could include Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Gabriel Jesus, who will join the squad even if they are only recovering.
Expected squad for the trip: Raya, Neto, Porter; White, Timber, Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Kiwior, Saliba, Zinchenko, Tierney, Lewis-Skelly, Calafiori; Jorginho, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Dowman, Merino; Nwaneri, Saka, Jesus, Havertz, Trossard, Martinelli, Sterling.
Gabriel Martinelli Injury Update
The only player potentially uncertain for the Dubai trip is Gabriel Martinelli, due to a hamstring injury he sustained during the Newcastle defeat. He was substituted in the first half after appearing to clutch the back of his leg. While Martinelli walked off the pitch, there is concern over the severity of the issue, and a scan is scheduled for Thursday. It remains unclear whether the scan will take place in London or Dubai, which may cause a delay in his arrival with the squad. Fans are hoping the injury is just tightness and not something more serious.
