Arsenal training ground: How does revolutionary ‘injury-reducing’ pitch work and what is it made of?

ARSENE WENGER has installed an "injury-reducing" pitch at Arsenal's training ground.

But what is special about the surface? What is it made of and how does it work?

Here, we explain all about the AirFibr technology that it has been said can reduce injuries by up to 40 per cent.

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The first thing to note is that this is not artificial grass, it's 100 per cent natural turf.

The grass roots are, according to one specialist website, "intertwined with the millions of microfibres of the AirFibr rootzone".

Natural granulated cork provides "optimal player safety" because it is a soft and resilient surface.

So, when a player smacks the ground, the cork compresses, releasing the air it contains and absorbing the shock of the fall.

The amount of cork needed has been specially calculated to meet Arsenal's exact needs.

Synethic microfibres mean the ground retains year-round stability and does not wear out despite constant use.

Next, the use of extra-fine silica sand prevents a sodden, muddy surface and earthworm castings, "which are particularly detrimental to high level sport practice".

Overall, this unique type of soil lowers the risk of ACL injuries, lowers the chance of tiring joints and muscle fatigue and makes head injuries less risky.

If the surface was too soft it would be good for absorbing shock but poor for allowing the sprinting player to push off again.

The opposite would be true for a surface that is too hard.

Arsenal's pitch of choice replicates the comfort of playing on 100 per cent natural turf but is easier to maintain.