By Spy Uganda
Arsenal’s month-long break from domestic action has seen 10 of their stars jet away to Qatar for the 2022 edition of the World Cup finals. Mikel Arteta’s squad are set to host a warm weather camp in UAE, where they will take part in the Dubai Super Cup against AC Milan and Lyon.
The decision to train there will allow their players to prepare for action again a few weeks later, while being close enough to the host country of the World Cup so that any players that are knocked out can join them later on. Arsenal manager Arteta named the destination as the “perfect choice”.
The Spaniard told the official Arsenal website: “We need good preparation mentally and physically to be ready for the huge demands that the second part of the season is going to bring to the team. We have two great games against Lyon and Milan and we are really looking forward to it. They’re two big clubs and it’ll be tough competition, and for us, it’s a great test to see where we are.”
A number of stars could make it deep into the competition, leaving their time on the training ground with the manager and the rest of the team to fewer minutes. One of those that could move further into the tournament is Takehiro Tomiyasu, who came from the bench to help Japan earn a huge win over Germany.
The Samurai Blue’s win now puts them in a strong position heading into their final two games, with Costa Rica and finally Spain to come. With the Germans being one of the bigger names in the competition, the win could relieve pressure off of those clashes and see them progress.
Should that happen, Tomiyasu is set to have less time on the training pitch with the Arsenal squad, but he would be building match fitness after his recent injury spell. The progression will also give the Gunners extra funds too, with FIFA handing out money for every day a player is released from club action for their national side.
