Arsenal are out in Dubai for some warm-weather training, with the squad getting some much-needed time away from the action.
The Gunners did something similar in January 2024, with an impressive run that followed in the final months of the Premier League season.
With Mikel Arteta hopeful of repeating that impact this year, there are a few different challenges on his hands now.
Not only is it later in the campaign than the previous trip, but there are some injury concerns on his hands in the Arsenal forward ranks.
The latest of those has seen Gabriel Martinelli pick up an injury that’ll keep him out of the side for roughly one month.
It means a replacement will be needed for the upcoming games, with the training from Dubai hinting at the possible replacements.
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Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling replace Gabriel Martinelli in Arsenal training
Behind-the-scenes footage from training was uploaded by the official Arsenal website, showing off some of the drills that Mikel Arteta put his team through.
Smaller passing and scoring games were played before moving to more of an 11-v-11 style game on a half-sized pitch.
Snippets from both teams being set up showed the left wing occupied by Leandro Trossard on one team and Raheem Sterling on the other.
With a real lack of other options, it’s something of a surprise that a make-shift option perhaps wasn’t spotted during training.
However, the duo are best placed to replace Martinelli, having regularly played on the left in their career so far.
The right flank was largely taken up by Ethan Nwaneri, who is now likely to hold that position for the upcoming matches.
Leicester are the next opponent for Arsenal, with Arteta having some time to decide which option he opts for on the left wing.
Arsenal cannot afford any more injuries in forward ranks
Arsenal’s injuries in the forward ranks have been costly so far, with Bukayo Saka out with a hamstring problem, while Gabriel Jesus picked up an ACL issue.
Add to that the problem for Martinelli and there are just four senior attacking options, three of those out wide and one up front.
Any more injuries adding to the mix could spell disaster, forcing players to play out of position and possibly impacting the rest of the team.
The other option is depending on the Hale End academy, though those ranks are already stretched with players having to be part of the senior squad on some occasions.
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