Calum Chambers is the only member of the current Arsenal squad who will miss out on the trip to Dubai this week, according to reports.

The Evening Standard claim Calum Chambers is the only Arsenal player who won’t make the trip to Dubai. The centre-back can’t even drive yet after his surgery, so making the trip was out of the question. He’s still in good spirits ahead of the bulk of his recovery.

New signings Cedric Soares and Pablo Mari will join the group though. Kieran Tierney and Reiss Nelson will also travel despite their injuries.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein reports some are already flying to Dubai today, ahead of the first training session on Friday. They have three days off first, but they can choose to spend them on holiday abroad if they please. Officially, the trip lasts from Friday to Tuesday.

Arteta is encouraging the players to bring their partners and families to Dubai, with a group meal planned for one evening.

In a way, this break could act like a mini-pre-season for Arteta’s Arsenal. After a busy couple of months, they can get together and bond, whilst also doing some fitness work ahead of the final months of the season.

Personally, I need some convincing. The whole point of the winter break was to take a break, something they aren’t doing if they spend five or six days travelling to – and taking part in – a Dubai training camp.

There are clearly some positives, but we’ll see in the final months whether they outweigh the drawbacks.