LATEST UPDATES  FROM UAE TRAINING CAMP Saka and White update, Arteta’s new striker plan – Five things spotted in Arsenal Dubai training

Arsenal finally have the chance to recharge their batteries after a relentless festive fixture schedule

Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka boarding a flight to Dubai

Mikel Arteta put his players through their paces during Arsenal’s first training session in Dubai. After crashing out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, the Gunners jetted off to the Middle East for a warm weather camp at the NAS Sports Complex.

After a busy festive fixture schedule, Arsenal finally have the chance to recharge their batteries. The North Londoners won’t be in action again until February 15 when they lock horns with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in the Premier League.

Arsenal are currently six points adrift of Liverpool, who sit at the top of the table. However, Arne Slot’s side have a game in hand against Everton – which could prove significant by the end of the campaign.

Liverpool will fancy their chances of crowning themselves English champions, but the Gunners mustn’t be underestimated. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at five things that you may have missed from Arsenal’s first training session in Dubai.

White gets stuck in

Ben White was spotted at the heart of the action as he continues to rebuild his match fitness. The 27-year-old defender has been sidelined since November after having surgery on a knee injury.

While his absence has fast-tracked Myles Lewis-Skelly into the starting lineup, Arsenal have missed White in the backline. His return to action in the next few weeks will come as a huge boost for Arteta.

No Martinelli or Tomiyasu

Neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Takehiro Tomiyasu were spotted in Arsenal training. The former suffered a hamstring during Arsenal’s clash against Newcastle in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

“Yes, he felt something,” confirmed Arteta, speaking to reporters after the game. “I think it was his hamstring and he wasn’t comfortable to continue so we’ll have to do an MRI scan tomorrow to see the extent of the injury.”

Meanwhile, Tomiyasu remains out of action with a knee injury. The 26-year-old defender missed the large majority of last season with a calf problem and he’s played just six minutes this term.

Arteta finds new striker

Arteta appears to have found himself a new striker! Gabriel Magalhaes was spotted beaming ear-to-ear while donning a red bib with the number nine on the front. Perhaps the Spaniard has a trick or two up his sleeve…

Saka not involved… but in attendance