Arsenal’s Champions League campaign didn’t get off to the best of starts as the Gunners were caught up in the mayhem of the air traffic breakdown throughout UK airports.
Travel chaos causes big delay
Air traffic control issues heavily delayed Mikel Arteta’s team’s flight to Naples. The Gunners boss missed his pre-match press conference ahead of their potentially tricky clash against Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The club has said the team’s schedule hasn’t been affected much, except that they will arrive at their hotel later and there will be no pre-match press conference, as agreed with UEFA.
The delays have also affected Arsenal fans’ travel, although most are still likely to make the game.
Timber set for return, but Mosquera ruled out
Versatile Netherlands international Jurriën Timber is set to return to the squad. The defender has not featured for the Gunners since their Champions League defeat by PSG in May.
Timber has now recovered from the groin issue that has prevented him from featuring in any of the North London clubs’ games this season.
Although Arsenal are well-stocked in defence, Timber’s return is timely as Spanish international defender Cristhian Mosquera remains absent due to a muscle problem.
Highly-rated young defender Marli Salmon is also in the Gunners squad. The 17-year-old recently signed his first professional deal with the club.
Napoli missing key midfield stars
The Azzurri have not made the best start to life under experienced boss Max Allegri, taking just three points from as many games in Serie A.
The absence of key midfielder Scott McTominay and likely André-Frank Zambo Anguissa won’t help their chances of a positive result.
On Tuesday, McTominay underwent a procedure to correct an irregular heartbeat. The Scotland international is expected to be back in training in two weeks.
A clash against the English champions will be difficult. Another poor result would put massive pressure on Allegri after the underwhelming start to their domestic campaign.