Arsenal set to face Reading in behind-closed-doors friendly when the Gunners return from Dubai camp

Arsenal are set to play a behind-closed-doors friendly against Reading on their return from their winter training camp in Dubai.

Mikel Arteta’s side, who drew 0-0 with Burnley on Sunday, do not have another competitive game until they face Wolves on Thursday February 10 after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest.

To avoid a near three-week gap between games and help Arteta’s players maintain their rhythm Arsenal are keen to arrange at least one friendly during their break from competitive action.

The opponents have yet to be officially confirmed but Championship side Reading have been lined up to face Arsenal.

Reading were also dumped out of the FA Cup in the third round and have their own break between travelling to QPR on Saturday and then Bristol City on Wednesday February 9.

The two clubs were recently in talks over a loan deal which saw promising young goalkeeper Karl Hein move from Arsenal to Reading for the remainder of the season.

After being given a few days off following the Burnley stalemate, Arsenal’s squad will meet up in Dubai today and remain in the Middle East where they will train every day, until next Wednesday.