Arsenal are making the most of their mid-season training camp in Dubai, with Ben White and Bukayo Saka taking significant steps in their injury recoveries.
White, who has been out since November after knee surgery, has been training with the squad and is expected to be in contention for Arsenal’s trip to Leicester City this weekend.
The defender has missed 21 games, with summer signing Jurrien Timber filling in at right-back. However, Mikel Arteta hopes White’s return will provide a timely boost for his squad. The Gunners have spent six days in Dubai, mirroring last season’s mid-season break that helped rejuvenate the team.
Meanwhile, Saka, who underwent surgery in December for a hamstring injury, is also in Dubai as he continues his rehabilitation. Although he isn’t expected to return until next month, his presence in training is a promising sign.
Arsenal shared images of Saka working out in the gym, with one photo revealing a noticeable scar on his right leg from the procedure.
Arteta is desperate to have Saka back as he grapples with a depleted attack. Gabriel Jesus is out for the season, Gabriel Martinelli faces a month on the sidelines, and Arsenal’s January pursuit of Ollie Watkins fell through.
With Kai Havertz the only fully fit member of Arteta’s usual front three, Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling, and young prospect Ethan Nwaneri could be called upon for Saturday’s game at the King Power Stadium.