Arsenal in Dubai for mid-season friendly
Arsenal have touched down in Dubai ahead of a warm-weather mid-season training camp.
Arsenal moved back into the top nearly a fortnight ago after conquering Ole gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates.
Unai Emery has taken a 23-man squad for the trip to revitalise his side, with a friendly against Al Nasr scheduled for next Tuesday before the Gunners fly back to England ahead of their return to Premier League action on April 1.
Hector Bellerin, Mesut Ozil, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Alexandre Lacazette are among the first-teamers who boarded the flight.
The trip to the far east will see them hold open training sessions throughout, though with the international schedule underway, it is a weakened Arsenal side.
Nevertheless, Emery is confident the decision to go abroad is a wise one.
He said: “It will be great to get some warm weather training and break up the usual routine as we enter the final stage of the season.
“The facilities in Dubai are fantastic and it will be an honour to be part of the formal opening ceremony for the new stadium.”