5 things spotted from Arsenal’s Dubai training camp as Mikel Arteta gets huge injury boost

Arsenal enjoyed the second training session of their Dubai camp as boss Mikel Arteta put his side through their paces ahead of a crucial second-half of the season

Arsenal have enjoyed a successful second day in Dubai for their warm weather training camp.

The Gunners flew out to the Middle East on Thursday, with Mikel Arteta hoping to use the break to reset his side’s season. Arteta’s side currently sit second in the Premier League, six points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

It means they face a crucial second-half of the season, with a Champions League last 16 tie also ahead of them. A similar trip to Dubai last year helped to transform the Gunners’ season.

And Arteta has been putting his squad through their paces once again on Saturday, with plenty of ball work in the soaring temperatures. Here, Mirror Football picks out five key talking points from a second day of action.

Ben White boost

Ben White has been ruled out since November after undergoing surgery on his knee. He last played in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, though Jurrien Timber has cemented his place as the first-choice right-back in his absence.

Even so, it will be a welcome boost for Arteta that White was a participant in training on Saturday. As well as running drills, the Englishman could be seen striking the ball in a clear sign he is nearing a return.

White was also involved in Arteta’s teamtalk to his side and was spotted hugging Gunners youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly. It appears the defender will be back available when Arsenal return to action.

Arteta turns to the kids

While Arteta has been focused on his senior players, he has also given academy stars Max Dowman and Jack Porter the chance to shine. He added the duo, aged 15 and 16 respectively, to the travelling squad following their impressive performances.

Dowman was spotted taking on Kieran Tierney in one drill, having controlled a high ball under Arteta’s close eye in another. He then pulled off a brilliant trick by crossing one foot under the other to bring down another pass.

Porter meanwhile was put through his paces in goal, making a number of saves. Though the young keeper was also bizarrely pictured wearing tracksuit bottoms in the 27 degree heat.

Almunia returns

It has been 14 years since Manuel Almunia last played for Arsenal, but he was on hand to pass on some advice to the Gunners’ current crop of keepers. The Spaniard made more than 150 appearances during a seven-year spell at the Emirates Stadium.

He won the FA Cup during his time as a player and was also part of the squad which finished as runners-up in the 2006 Champions League. He is now a goalkeeping coach for Al Jazira in Abu Dhabi.

With his former side close by, Almunia paid a visit to the Gunners. He was also pictured in conversation with current Arsenal number one David Raya.

Jover takes charge

Set-pieces have been a key weapon for Arsenal this season, with the Gunners utilising corner kicks time and time again to score key goals. It has become such an important part of their game that set-piece coach Nicolas Jover has become somewhat of a celebrity.

Jover has faced criticism from some quarters for his presence on Arsenal’s touchline. But he was in firm control of matters on Saturday as Arsenal ran through a set-piece drill.

The Gunners were set up with a free-kick, with Jover able to place his side in both attacking and defensive positions. Arteta was stood away from the action, with another member of staff seen dealing with the players.

Zinchenko sends a message

Oleksandr Zinchenko has endured a difficult season at Arsenal. The arrival of Riccardo Calafiori and the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly has seen the Ukranian plummet down the pecking order.

He has made just four starts in all competitions and was heavily linked with making an exit in the January transfer window. But he sent a clear reminder to boss Arteta of what he can do on Saturday.

Zinchenko was pictured being congratulated by his team-mates for his performances in the session. It appears he is doing his best to work his way back into Arteta’s plans.

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