Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign for this season on the road, travelling to Naples for what promises to be a testing European opener.
The trip to Italy got off to a difficult start after Arsenal’s flight was delayed due to air traffic control issues in England that stretched into Wednesday.
The travel disruption also affected supporters making their way to Naples, compounding what was already a tricky away day for the Arsenal fanbase.
Journalist Amy Lawrence noted on the Handbrake Off podcast that the full away allocation had not been sold for a long time ahead of the fixture.
Lawrence attributed the unsold tickets to a combination of timing, price, and safety concerns surrounding Napoli supporters at this particular game.
On the team news front, Jurrien Timber returned to the Arsenal squad having battled a groin problem that has kept him sidelined since March.
Cristhian Mosquera did not travel with the squad as he continues his recovery from the hamstring issue he sustained against Aston Villa.
William Saliba remains unavailable for Arsenal, while Scott McTominay is absent for Napoli after undergoing a small procedure to correct a minor heart defect.
Napoli also miss Frank Anguissa, who is sidelined with an adductor problem, weakening the home side ahead of this high-profile European clash.
Arsenal line up with Raya in goal, backed by White, Konsa, Gabriel, and Hincapie in defence, with Rice, Merino, and Odegaard forming the midfield core.
Gyokeres and Saka start in attack for the Gunners, with Eze also featuring in the starting eleven as Arsenal aim to begin with a positive result.
Napoli’s lineup includes Gilmour, De Bruyne, Politano, and Lobotka as key figures in what is a formidable home side at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Swedish official Glenn Nyberg takes charge of proceedings as referee, with Carlos del Cerro Grande from Spain performing VAR duties for the match.
