4 things to look out for as Arsenal compete in the Dubai Super Cup

It’s been a while, but Arsenal mark their unofficial return to action on Thursday as they take on Lyon in the Dubai Super Cup.

The Gunners recently made the trip out to the Middle East for a warm-weather training camp where they’ll take on the French side and AC Milan in a pair of glamorised friendlies ahead of the Premier League’s return on Boxing Day.

The days are flying by as we approach the business end of an enthralling World Cup, and Arsenal’s first winter friendly has arrived at a wonderful time given the absence of matches in Qatar as we prepare to enjoy four intriguing quarter-final matchups.

The Gunners’ game against Alexandre Lacazette’s Lyon kicks off at 15:30 (BST) and will be streamed on the club’s official website. You’ll have to pay £5.99 for a match pass, however. Criminal.

4 things to look out for as Arsenal compete in the Dubai Super Cup

If you opt to enhance the club’s budget for the January transfer window, here are a few things to keep an eye out for in Dubai.

1. Will Emile Smith Rowe make his return?

Oh, how we miss the dynamic running of Smith Rowe. There’s a childlike purity to the Englishman’s game and we cannot wait to see him back in action!

Smith Rowe’s 2022/23 season has been compromised by injury thus far, and he’s been sidelined since September after undergoing groin surgery. While his absence hasn’t cost Arsenal, his return will undoubtedly be a massive boost, especially after Gabriel Jesus’ injury.

Smith Rowe played an integral role in the club’s initial rise under Mikel Arteta, and the Spaniard will need him during the second half of the season. He’s made the trip out to Dubai, but we don’t know whether he’ll be fit enough to earn minutes in either of the friendlies.

It’d be great to see him on the pitch again. That alone would be worth the £5.99 hit.

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