Arsenal begin their Champions League quest with a tricky test against Napoli as Mikel Arteta’s side look to go one better than last year.
The Premier League winners so nearly completed a double with success in Europe in May, falling short in the final against Paris Saint-Germain. The challenge now is to improve again for another continental trophy tilt – and while they may have missed out on a marquee forward, Arteta certainly has plenty of strength and depth at his disposal as they embark on a new European campaign.
Things are unlikely to be straightforward in Naples, though, particularly after travel chaos delayed Arsenal’s arrival in the city. The hosts may have made a slow start in Serie A, and be without Scott McTominay due to a heart issue, but the visitors can expect a hostile reception and a strong Napoli side.
Follow all of the latest from the Champions League clash with our live blog below:
Napoli v Arsenal
A couple of hours until kick-off. The calm before the storm at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
Arsenal caught up in airport travel chaos ahead of Champions League opener against Napoli
Arsenal’s press conference ahead of their Champions League opener away to Napoli was cancelled after the team’s flight was delayed by air traffic control issues in the UK.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta had been due to speak to journalists in Naples on Tuesday evening, alongside defender Riccardo Calafiori.
But with widespread disruption at UK airports following a technical failure with the air traffic control system, the pre-match media was scrapped.
Arsenal’s squad remained at the club training ground during the delay before leaving for the airport.
Due to the disruption, they did not arrive in Naples until around 9.30pm local time (8.30pm BST).
Early Napoli team news
Napoli will be without Scott McTominay after he underwent a small heart procedure.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa has been ruled out while David Neres is doubtful, but former Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne is set to return to the starting line-up and former Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund is another familiar face.
Napoli XI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Rafa Marin, Spinazzola; Vergara, Lobotka, De Bruyne; Neres, Hojlund, Alisson Santos
Early Arsenal team news
Jurrien Timber has travelled to Italy so could be available to play for the first time this season. Cristhian Mosquera did not train before the trip, however, and so is set to miss out, with Ezri Konsa likely continuing in defence.
Mikel Arteta could make some changes from Sunday’s win over Chelsea with Bruno Guimaraes, Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres hoping to feature.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Guimaraes, Eze; Tzolis, Gyokeres, Saka
How to watch Napoli v Arsenal?
Kick-off in tonight’s Champions League fixture is 8pm BST at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples.
It will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 2 and HBO Max.
