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Arsenal to play Reading in behind-closed-doors friendly on return from Dubai break to shake rust off for Wolves clash

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ARSENAL are set to play Reading in a behind-closed-doors friendly when they return from their warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

The Gunners suddenly have a three-week break between matches due to the additional international break and then the FA Cup fourth round.

Arsenal are on course to play at least one friendly match behind closed doorsCredit: Getty
Mikel Arteta does not want his players to get rusty during their 18-day breakCredit: Getty

It means they will not play a competitive game between the 0-0 draw with Burnley on January 23 and their trip to face Wolves on February 10.

Boss Mikel Arteta is desperate for his side not to get rusty ahead of that match at Molineux.

So according to the Daily Mail, the Gunners are planning some friendlies to keep players match sharp during the break.

And one of the opponents is set to be Championship outfit Reading.

The Royals were also knocked out of the FA Cup in round three so, like Arsenal, have an 18-day gap between matches.

Arsenal and Reading are on good terms having just negotiated goalkeeper Karl Jakob Hein’s loan from North London to Berkshire.

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Arteta gave his players a few days off following the draw against Burnley.

The club flight set off for the Middle East today – although some headed out early to enjoy some relaxing winter sun.

They are set to train each day until their return to London on Wednesday before the matches.

The friendlies could also provide any late January signings with a chance to get some minutes under the belt alongside their new team-mates.

Gini Wijnaldum, Vicot Osimhen, Cody Gakpo, Douglas Luiz and Arthur Melo have all been linked with a transfer to the Emirates in recent days, with the window closing at 11pm on Monday.

⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer gossip with our live blog

Reading also have a lengthy gap due to the international break and FA Cup fourth roundCredit: PA

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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