In the aftermath of a frustrating Carabao Cup exit, Arsenal embarked on a much-needed warm-weather training camp in Dubai. The team was recharged and ready to focus on the upcoming challenges, particularly their clash against Leicester City in the Premier League. With a busy schedule over the festive period, this training session gave the players a chance to catch their breath and refocus on what lies ahead.
As they geared up for their match against Leicester, there were several intriguing things spotted during Arsenal’s final training session in Dubai, some of which could provide insight into Mikel Arteta’s plans for the rest of the season. From set-piece training to the absence of key players, and the encouraging signs of fitness recovery, Arsenal’s training camp in Dubai seemed to have provided both the physical and mental preparation required for the second half of the season
One of the main areas of focus during this Dubai training camp appeared to be Arsenal’s set-pieces. In modern football, set-piece routines can often be the deciding factor in tight matches, and it seems Arteta was keen to ensure his team was well-prepared. Arsenal was spotted working diligently on their defensive and offensive set-piece strategies.
In one of the training images, 10 players wearing orange bibs were visible inside or around the penalty box. This indicates that the team was likely working on both defending and attacking set-pieces. Given that set-pieces are a key area for Arsenal, they may have been refining their approach to corners, free-kicks, and defensive clearances. In particular, working on how to defend corners or free kicks from the opposition is essential as set-piece goals are a common threat in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover, is known for his meticulous planning in these areas. Jover’s reputation for creating innovative corner tactics and sharp defensive strategies means that Arsenal’s efforts in this training session may be a sign of tactical evolution. With the Premier League’s top clubs often having the best set-piece strategies, Arteta will want to ensure his team can score from their set-piece opportunities while also being solid at the back when defending them. The focus on set-pieces during the training session suggests that Arteta views these situations as crucial to the team’s success in the coming fixtures.
As with every training session, some players were noticeably absent, and in this case, it was Gabriel Martinelli, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kai Havertz who were not spotted in the images from the training camp. These players are key figures in Arteta’s squad, and their absence raises questions about their fitness and availability for the upcoming matches.
Gabriel Martinelli had been a standout performer for Arsenal this season, contributing with his pace, work ethic, and creativity on the left-wing. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s Carabao Cup match against Newcastle. Martinelli felt discomfort in his hamstring during the game, and Arteta confirmed that he was unable to continue. The injury forced the young Brazilian to undergo an MRI scan to assess the extent of the damage. While Arsenal fans were hopeful that the injury wouldn’t keep Martinelli out for long, his absence from the Dubai training session suggested that he may need a few more days or weeks to recover fully.
Similarly, Takehiro Tomiyasu is another crucial player in Arteta’s setup. The versatile Japanese defender, who has been excellent when fit, has struggled with injuries over the past year. He missed most of the previous season with a calf problem and is yet to make a significant impact in this campaign due to ongoing knee issues. Despite Arsenal’s strong squad, Tomiyasu’s absence in the Dubai training pictures highlighted the ongoing challenges in his recovery. Given the importance of depth in defense, Arsenal will need Tomiyasu back to full fitness in order to provide additional cover in the backline.
The absence of Kai Havertz, on the other hand, raised more questions than answers. The German midfielder, who joined Arsenal in the summer transfer window, has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to consistently perform at his best. Although Havertz has been seen in previous training sessions at the NAS Sports Complex, he was notably absent this time around. There was no official explanation provided for his absence during this particular training session. Some speculated that Havertz might have been working individually away from the group, while others suggested he might have been dealing with a minor issue. Regardless, it was a notable absence for a player who, despite being relatively new to the club, has already become an important part of Arteta’s plans.
The absence of these three players could have a significant impact on Arsenal’s performance as they enter the business end of the season. With Martinelli’s pace and creativity, Tomiyasu’s defensive reliability, and Havertz’s versatility and presence in midfield, Arteta will be hoping these players recover quickly and return to full fitness
Amidst the hard work and intensity of the training sessions, there were also moments of relaxation and enjoyment for the Arsenal squad. During some downtime, two Arsenal players – Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Martinelli – were seen recruiting a new striker for the club in a rather unconventional way.
A social media influencer and football freestyler named Mo Omar, who boasts over half a million followers on TikTok, was spotted performing various tricks for the Arsenal duo. Martinelli and Calafiori were visibly impressed by Omar’s skills. The freestyle footballer showed off his tricks and ball control, leaving Martinelli to compare his skills to the legendary Ronaldinho. Calafiori, laughing, joked that he would ask Arteta to “sign him up.”
While this was a lighthearted moment in the camp, it was also a reminder of the off-field bond between the players. These kinds of moments build team chemistry and give the players a chance to relax and have fun amidst the pressures of a long season. This interaction, captured on TikTok, showed a playful side to the Arsenal players, who were clearly enjoying the training camp and their time in Dubai. It was a refreshing moment after what had been a challenging period of fixtures.
One of the most significant aspects of the training camp in Dubai was the continued recovery of **Ben White**, who was seen working on an exercise bike as part of his rehabilitation. The 27-year-old defender has been sidelined since November due to a knee injury, which required surgery. White’s absence has left a gap in Arsenal’s defense, with Arteta having to rely on other players in his absence.
White has been a key figure for Arsenal since joining the club, bringing stability and composure to the backline. His injury came at a difficult time, as Arsenal had been in excellent form before he was forced to undergo surgery. His absence created opportunities for other players, including Myles Lewis-Skelly, who impressed in White’s place. However, White’s return to fitness will be a huge boost for Arteta, who will be eager to have his first-choice defenders back for the remainder of the season.
Ben White’s recovery from knee surgery and his return to full fitness will be crucial as Arsenal enters the final stages of the Premier League season. With Liverpool still leading the table, every point counts, and having a fully fit and sharp White back in the team will make a significant difference. Arteta will be hoping that White can regain his match fitness quickly, allowing him to reintegrate into the starting lineup and provide the defense with added experience and stability
Despite the injury concerns and absences, the mood in the Arsenal camp appeared to be very positive. Manager Mikel Arteta was seen in high spirits, enjoying the warm weather in Dubai and smiling alongside Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Magalhães. The trio looked relaxed and content as they soaked up the sun, knowing that their preparations for the upcoming match against Leicester City were taking shape.
Arteta’s positivity was mirrored by his two star players, Ødegaard and Gabriel. Ødegaard, the captain of the team, has been instrumental in driving Arsenal forward this season. His leadership and vision in midfield have made him one of the best players in the Premier League, and he will be vital in the next match against Leicester. Gabriel, the Brazilian center-back, has been solid in defense and is likely to play a key role in keeping Leicester’s attacking threats at bay.
The high spirits of Arteta, Ødegaard, and Gabriel were indicative of a squad that was ready to push on after a difficult period. The positive vibes from the training camp in Dubai will be important for the morale of the players, especially as they look to close the gap with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table. With the weather in Dubai offering a welcome break from the cold and rain in North London, the team seemed rejuvenated and ready to take on Leicester and beyond.
As Arsenal prepares for their Premier League clash against Leicester City, the training camp in Dubai has given them the opportunity to recover physically and mentally. The focus on set-piece drills, the recovery of key players like Ben White, and the team’s positive energy suggest that Arteta’s side is ready to push for a strong second half of the season.
With the title race still wide open and Liverpool holding a slim lead at the top, every game matters. Arsenal will need to maintain their focus and continue to build on the positive momentum they have established this season. The return of key players from injury, along with the team’s unwavering determination, will be essential as they look to challenge for the Premier League title.
While the squad may be missing a few key players, the training camp in Dubai has shown that Arteta’s Arsenal team remains united and focused on the task ahead. With Leicester City the next challenge on the horizon, the Gunners will be looking to bounce back and take another step closer to reclaiming the Premier League title. The lessons learned and the preparation done in Dubai could prove vital as Arsenal looks to build on their early-season form and push for success in the remainder of the campaign.
