Comfier 26 Arsenal squad for Dubai trip confirmed including Bukayo Saka and academy star Max Dowman full list 

The Arsenal squad are preparing for a huge trip to Dubai as part of a mid-season break for Mikel Arteta and his players.

It comes following a difficult month or so for the Gunners, where matches have come thick and fast with very little respite.

The defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup ended a run of 11 matches in 36 days, underlining the need for a rest.

With the side being knocked out of the FA Cup and reaching the latter stages of the Champions League, a break in the fixture calendar has arisen over the coming weekend.

Much like in 2024, Arsenal have booked a trip to Dubai, hopeful that some warm-weather training and team bonding can help rediscover their best form while recharging their figurative batteries.

Arsenal to include Max Dowman, Jack Porter and Bukayo Saka in Dubai squad

The trip out to Dubai is set to be a welcome break for Arsenal as they look to push for the final knocking of the season when they return.

Warm weather, team bonding and some training sessions could help Mikel Arteta get the response that he is craving.

It worked in 2024, with the side only losing once and drawing once in the Premier League from late January all the way until May.

A similar impact could give them a shot at winning the title, while the Champions League is the final cup competition they are left in.

The squad are flying out on Thursday, February 6, with some different faces expected to be with the usual first-team squad.

According to the Athletic, the Hale End academy duo of Max Dowman and Jack Porter are set to be involved in the squad.

That is despite there being youth team matches played over the weekend, with both the under-18s and under-21s in action.

Joining them will be first-team players Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, who were in a similar position to the pair just a few months back.

There will also be some of the injured players jetting over, as the Standard claims that there will be an opportunity to continue rehabilitation in Dubai.

That could see Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus make an appearance with the rest of the squad – even if they are just recovering.

Expected squad: 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.

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Gabriel Martinelli injury doubt

The only player that there may be some doubt over when it comes to an immediate arrival in Dubai is Gabriel Martinelli due to injury.

The Brazilian suffered a hamstring problem in the defeat to Newcastle, which saw him taken off in the first half.

He was seen clutching the back of his leg, with Ethan Nwaneri eventually making his way on just before the break.

While Martinelli walked off, there are some doubts over exactly how deep the issue may be, with many hoping it is nothing more than a bit of tightness.

There will be a scan on the hamstring on Thursday, though it is unclear whether that will take place in London or in Dubai.

That could see Martinelli join up with the squad a bit later than expected, while the extent of the problem is discovered.