Mikel Arteta and Arsenal kick off their latest Champions League campaign against Athletic Club in Bilbao, looking to emulate last season's run to the competition's semi-final
A detailed view of the UEFA Foundation for Children arm sleeve badge, seen displayed on an Arsenal match shirt
Arsenal's Champions League campaign begins on Tuesday evening
Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign with a trip to the Basque Country, where they play Athletic Club in Bilbao. The Gunners have started the season strongly and will be hoping to carry that form into Europe.
Mikel Arteta's side finished third during the tournament's refurbished league phase last season and made it all the way to the semi-finals, where they ran into PSG. The French side defeated them 3-1 on aggregate before going on to lift the trophy.
When does Athletic Club vs Arsenal in the Champions League kick off?
Arsenal will face Athletic Club on Tuesday, September 16, at the Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao. This stadium hosted the final of the Europa League last term, in which the Gunners' rivals Tottenham bested Manchester United 1-0.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 5:45pm in the UK. It is one of two unusual earlier kick-offs during matchday one of the Champions League, the other being PSV vs Union Saint-Gilloise.
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal during the Emirates Cup match between Arsenal and Athletic Club
The two sides played in pre-season and Arsenal won 3-0
How can I watch Athletic Club vs Arsenal in the Champions League?
Fans can catch Arsenal vs Athletic Club via TNT Sports. The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and discovery+ with coverage starting at 5:00pm in the UK.
TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4).
They also offer up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD. You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
What is the team news ahead of Athletic Club vs Arsenal in the Champions League?
Ahead of the clash in Bilbao, head coach Arteta has confirmed that long-term absentees Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Ben White remain sidelined.
Captain Martin Odegaard, who picked up a shoulder injury during the Gunners' 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest over the weekend, is also out.
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal receives medical treatment
Odegaard will miss the match through injury(Image: Getty)
Bukayo Saka has also been suffering from a hamstring issue, and he will unlikely play any part in the match. However, the hope is that William Saliba and Declan Rice, who was rested at the weekend, could return to the starting XI.
Athletic Club have started their La Liga season with three wins and just a single loss, just like Arsenal have in the Premier League. This defeat came on Saturday at home to Alaves.
Spanish international Nico Williams is undoubtedly their brightest spark and has been linked with a Premier Legaue move in recent years. However, he will be absent from Tuesday's match due to an adductor injury.
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