The Dubai Super Cup will take place from December 8 to 16 with Arsenal and Lyon joined by AC Milan and Liverpool. The Gunners will play their continental opponents with the two games being awarded three points for a win, two for a draw and an additional point for winning a penalty shootout which will take place no matter the full-time scoreline.
Arsenal could see some players return before the end of the tournament. Granit Xhaka has already publicly committed himself to waiving holiday in favour of returning.
Gabriel Jesus is now recovering from surgery on a knee injury sustained at the World Cup. Eddie Nketiah will take his place and having a good performance in these friendlies will hopefully put supporters more at ease.
That said, Mikel Arteta and Edu will be planning for the January transfer window and these fixtures should help the club see where their weaknesses are before domestic action returns.