Fine margins make all the difference in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea are all locked in a tight battle for automatic Champions League qualification with only months of the season remaining.
Many players have been away over the past week on international duty, while players without international call-ups have been focusing on fitness ahead of a frantic domestic finale.
However, Arsenal appear to have taken a slight risk by offering to fly to Dubai and take part in a friendly fixture against Al-Nasr as part of their warm-weather training break.
It is not unusual for sides to take part in impromptu training camps during a break in the season, however the decision to also take part in a friendly fixture does seem a bit odd.
Arsenal face the Dubai-based side on Tuesday afternoon and have surprised many supporters by naming a number of first-team stars in their starting line up.
Although many youngsters have been included in the squad there are still starting places for all of Bernd Leno, Mesut Ozil, Alexandre Lacazette, Shkodran Mustafi and Denis Suarez, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Laurent Koscielny.
Like every side in the Premier League Arsenal already face a packed fixture schedule when they return from the international break, and supporters are already dreading the prospect of picking up an avoidable injury in a needless friendly match.
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Already worried
I swear to god if someone gets injured
— KingK (@Kingkeeks2000) March 26, 2019
Risky
Mustafi pic.twitter.com/hPBf1l1Z5x
— 14 (Fan Account) (@AgentAuba) March 26, 2019
Peculiar
"We need winter break"
— James Hanwell (@J_hanwell) March 26, 2019
"We play too many games"
"Our players need a rest"
Off to Dubai for a friendly it is then.
Be careful
Laca, ozil and leno be careful please
— Jack Mhic Róibín (@GoonerSTLjr) March 26, 2019
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