Arsenal’s Champions League preparations have taken an unexpected turn ahead of Wednesday’s opener against Napoli, but there have also been encouraging developments for Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners eventually arrived in Italy later than planned on Tuesday following disruption to UK air traffic, which forced Arteta’s scheduled pre-match press conference to be cancelled.
Elsewhere, Jurrien Timber has travelled after his injury lay-off, Napoli have lost an important midfielder and Arsenal received significant recognition in the 2026 Ballon d’Or nominations.
Here are the main Arsenal talking points heading into matchday.
Jurrien Timber in Arsenal training today. 👋🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/Q7zPvASmX1
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) September 8, 2026
Timber return gives Arteta another defensive option
The strongest piece of positive Arsenal team news is Timber’s inclusion in the travelling squad.
The Netherlands international has not started competitively since April after struggling with a groin problem, but he returned to first-team training before the trip.
The Guardian reports that Timber is part of Arsenal’s 23-man squad in Naples, alongside 17-year-old academy defender Marli Salmon.
That does not necessarily mean Timber is ready to start.
Ben White remains the safer option at right-back given Timber’s lack of competitive football, but simply having him available gives Arteta significantly more flexibility.
Cristhian Mosquera missed Tuesday’s training and looks unlikely to feature, while William Saliba remains sidelined.
Our updated Arsenal injury news ahead of Napoli has the latest availability picture.
Anguissa absence is a significant Napoli blow
Napoli also have problems of their own.
Massimiliano Allegri has now confirmed that Frank Anguissa will not face Arsenal.
The midfielder had started Napoli’s first three Serie A matches and completed 90 minutes against Inter on Saturday.
Allegri confirmed Anguissa’s absence during his official Napoli press conference, although he stopped short of revealing his full starting XI.
That is an important development for Arsenal.
Anguissa provides physicality, ball-carrying ability and defensive presence alongside Stanislav Lobotka. Removing him from Napoli’s midfield could make controlling central areas easier for Declan Rice and whichever midfielder partners him.
David Neres is another player Arsenal will continue to monitor after working separately from the group.
The complete picture is being maintained in our Napoli team news vs Arsenal guide rather than splitting every development into a new article.
Travel disruption changes Arsenal’s final preparation
Arteta would normally have spent Tuesday evening answering the final questions surrounding his team selection.
Instead, Arsenal’s journey became the story.
A technical problem affecting UK air traffic delayed the squad’s departure and meant Arteta could not fulfil his scheduled media duties in Naples.
UEFA permitted Arsenal to cancel the press conference because the circumstances were outside the club’s control.
The Guardian reports Arsenal remained at their training base while waiting to travel and eventually arrived later than planned.
It is far from ideal preparation for a difficult European away fixture, although the decision to remain at London Colney rather than spend hours waiting at the airport should have limited the disruption.
Our full report on Arsenal’s delayed flight and cancelled Arteta press conference explains what happened.
Without Arteta’s media appearance, Tuesday’s training session and travelling squad have become even more important when assessing Wednesday’s lineup.
The latest ReadArsenal predicted XI against Napoli has therefore been updated to reflect Timber’s return and Mosquera’s situation.
Arsenal recognition underlines how much has changed
Away from Napoli, Tuesday also provided a reminder of Arsenal’s progress over the previous 12 months.
Arsenal received eight nominations across the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards.
Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice and William Saliba are nominated for the men’s Ballon d’Or, while Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey represent Arsenal Women.
David Raya is shortlisted for Goalkeeper of the Year, Arteta for Coach of the Year and Arsenal for Men’s Club of the Year.
UEFA confirmed the full nominations on Tuesday ahead of the ceremony in London on 26 October.
Our complete Arsenal 2026 Ballon d’Or nominations guide has been updated with every Arsenal contender.
Attention now turns completely to Wednesday.
Arsenal’s U19s begin their UEFA Youth League campaign against Napoli at 1pm BST, before Arteta’s first team start their Champions League season at 8pm BST.
After a Tuesday dominated by injury updates, travel problems and squad clues, the next meaningful answers will finally arrive on the pitch.
Arsenal flight delay cancels Arteta press conference before Napoli
Arsenal flight delay cancels Arteta press conference before Napoli
Eight Arsenal nominations confirmed for 2026 Ballon d’Or awards
Eight Arsenal nominations confirmed for 2026 Ballon d’Or awards