Photo: Arsenal 20-year-old likened to Tomas Rosicky takes part in Dubai training ahead of Lyon clash

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Arsenal have travelled to Dubai for a mid-season warm-weather training camp. During this time, they’ll also compete in the Dubai Super Cup.

With the World Cup now in the knockout stages, the Gunners players not at the tournament will hope to impress Mikel Arteta and his coaches.

Arsenal will take on Lyon on Thursday, December 8, followed by AC Milan on Tuesday, December 13.

Arteta has selected 27 players for the club’s trip to the United Arab Emirates, including a number of academy youngsters.

One of those will be especially eager to impress the Arsenal boss following a difficult road back to full fitness.

Talented midfielder Catalin Cirjan was among those pictured in training ahead of the Lyon clash.

Cirjan joined Arsenal from Romanian outfit Viitorul Domnesti back in 2019.

The 20-year-old has made 44 appearances for the Gunners. According to The Athletic, Arsenal insiders think very highly of him.

Cirjan, who Jeorge Bird has described as “excellent technically”, has endured a difficult time over the past year having suffered multiple knee injuries. 

‘Arsenal think so much of Cirjan that renowned knee specialist Andy Williams has been in charge of his operations at 14 and 18,’ added The Athletic.

Now, the Romanian is in and around the Arsenal first team, though he’s still awaiting his competitive Gunners debut.

Cirjan, who has been compared to Tomas Rosicky, will hopefully give Arteta food for thought over the next week.