Arsenal's previous mid-season trip to Dubai was the predecessor to them pushing the title race to the final day last season.
However, this year's warm-weather training camp at the NAS Sports Complex threatens to stop their title hopes. : "We can confirm that has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week.
"Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days. Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.
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"Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible." Combined with the club not making a single signing during the winter transfer window, 's squad is now undeniably short of options up front for the rest of this season.
, their only other senior striker, had surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the middle of January. That procedure came weeks after went under the knife late last year after sustaining a torn right hamstring.
He has, though, stepped up his rehabilitation in the Middle East, working in the gym during this trip. Also on the trip was , despite injuring his hamstring in the club's last match.
Arteta confirmed the winger would have an MRI scan last week, and according to , early indications suggest Martinelli will be missing for over a month. The manager will almost certainly provide an update when speaking to the media on Friday morning ahead of the game, which Martinelli will miss.
could, though, be back in the squad this weekend after returning to training with the team following knee surgery. The defender's recovery is timely, with reportedly in line to have a second surgery within two years.
He did not travel to Dubai with the team and appears to have suffered a setback since the start of this year when Arteta revealed he returned to the training pitches.
