What are Arsenal players doing during the winter break?

What are Arsenal players doing during the winter break?

By Jonny Bray
Despite the introduction of a 'winter break', Premier League clubs, players and management teams were still all over the news and social media.
Players jetted off around the world in search of sun, and while some were out partying, others were training hard in preparation for the resumption of the Premier League.
Players such as Ivan Toney, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard made the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
But Arsenal spent their winter break in Dubai training under Mikel Arteta and preparing themselves for a crucial second half of the season.
Arteta's team were based at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, one of the world's most advanced sporting venues.
It has previously played host to European giants like Celtic and Manchester United, and there's no doubt the Gunners received some of the best support money can buy during their break.
So, let's take a closer look at what Arsenal's players were getting up to.

Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex

Since opening, the venue has hosted clubs, individual players, and stars from other sports, and now it can add Arsenal to its already illustrious list of clients.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Dele Alli have both made solo visits while recovering from their respective injuries.
Former Gunner Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain, Virgil van Dijk, Novak Djokovic and Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford have all used the facility for injury recovery as well, so the team were in safe hands.
It is one of the most hi-tech sporting facilities in the world, boasting an altitude chamber, cryo chamber, climate chamber and a performance lab to give coaches data.
And for those recovering from injury, there are full medical facilities with on-site physios as well as masseuses.
And when it's time for the players to have a ball at their feet, there are two FIFA-standard football pitches to play on.
There are courts for several indoor sports, including squash, beach football and volleyball, as well as badminton and fencing.
And there's even a mosque and a Starbucks.

Wilshere in Dubai

One of the most exciting bits of news coming from Dubai is that Jack Wilshere travelled with the squad.
The 30-year-old has struggled to find a club, having trained with Arteta's team during the summer, but that didn't stop the Spaniard from including him in the squad for the trip to Dubai.
It's unlikely that the former Gunner will ever play for the club again, but it's always nice to see him donning the red and white.
He's reportedly being chased by several Championship clubs and by sides in Italy but either way, it's good to see Arsenal sticking by a player who gave a lot for the club at a young age.

Chance for the youngsters

Another big positive to come from Dubai is that several young players have been given a chance to impress Arteta without the distraction of a game on Saturday.
The Spaniard had the chance to have a good look at players like Charlie Patino while also developing some of the more experienced players in the squad.
And that could come at a vital time with so many Arsenal midfielders either injured, away on international duty or suspended.Hopefully, the squad can rest and get some good training in after a worrying start to 2022.
Photo Credit: Getty Images 

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