Manchester City are expected to play a friendly in Abu Dhabi on January 14 unless they are involved in an FA Cup replay.
City, who face Blackburn this week, have been invited to play Al Ain FC to open the club's new Hazza bin Zayed stadium and are likely to combine the friendly with a week's warm-weather training.
The club has refused to confirm any plans, but it is understood the trip is likely to take place unless an FA Cup replay intervenes.
The fixture has already been publicised in the United Arab Emirates, and local media have reported that police in Al Ain have already held a meeting to discuss security plans for the friendly.
Last weekend, City boss Manuel Pellegrini said he was concerned that fixture congestion affected his side's performance against Crystal Palace, but it is understood he is comfortable at the prospect of a low-intensity friendly game in Abu Dhabi.
Source: PA
