Arsenal have taken a 23-man travelling squad to Italy for Wednesday night’s Champions League opener against Napoli, with Jurrien Timber returning to the group and academy defender Marli Salmon included.
William Saliba and Cristhian Mosquera are the two notable defensive absentees as Mikel Arteta prepares for the league-phase fixture at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Arsenal eventually arrived in Naples on Tuesday night following the flight delays which forced Arteta’s scheduled pre-match press conference to be cancelled.
Arsenal travelling squad vs Napoli
Napoli Magazine reports the following 23 players have made the trip:
Goalkeepers
David Raya
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Illan Meslier
Defenders
Ben White
Ezri Konsa
Gabriel Magalhaes
Riccardo Calafiori
Piero Hincapie
Marli Salmon
Jurrien Timber
Midfielders
Declan Rice
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Martin Zubimendi
Mikel Merino
Eberechi Eze
Bruno Guimaraes
Max Dowman
Forwards
Noni Madueke
Viktor Gyokeres
Kai Havertz
Martin Odegaard
Christos Tzolis
Bukayo Saka
The travelling party should not be confused with Arsenal’s permanent European registration.
Our full Arsenal Champions League squad for 2026/27 contains the senior players registered for the competition, while eligible young players can also be used through UEFA’s List B system.
Jurrien Timber returns to Arsenal squad
Timber’s inclusion is the biggest positive development.
The Guardian reports that the Netherlands international travelled following his recovery from the groin problem which has kept him out since the spring.
He returned to first-team training before the trip and now has the opportunity to make his first competitive appearance of the season.
Whether Arteta is willing to start Timber immediately remains another question.
Ben White has been Arsenal’s regular right-back during Timber’s absence and remains the safer option for a demanding Champions League away fixture.
Our updated Arsenal predicted XI against Napoli assesses where Timber could fit into Arteta’s plans.
Marli Salmon included as Saliba and Mosquera miss out
Salmon is the eye-catching academy inclusion.
The 17-year-old defender has already been involved around Arteta’s senior squad and signed his first professional Arsenal contract during the summer.
His presence provides additional defensive cover with both Saliba and Mosquera absent from the travelling party.
Saliba remains sidelined by his back problem, while Mosquera missed Arsenal’s final training session on Tuesday after suffering a muscular injury.
The latest situations surrounding both defenders are covered in our Arsenal injury news before Napoli.
Timber’s return at least gives Arteta another senior defensive option.
Elsewhere, Bruno Guimaraes has made the trip after returning to training, while Arteta has all of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Christos Tzolis available in attack.
Arsenal face Napoli at 8pm BST on Wednesday, looking to begin another Champions League campaign with an away victory after reaching last season’s final.
Arsenal news talking points: Timber return, Napoli blow and travel disruption
Arsenal news talking points: Timber return, Napoli blow and travel disruption
Arsenal flight delay cancels Arteta press conference before Napoli
Arsenal flight delay cancels Arteta press conference before Napoli