ARSENAL’S preparations were thrown into chaos as they were delayed travelling to Napoli for their Champions League opener.
Mikel Arteta and his squad had been due to land in Italy on Tuesday evening ahead of a press conference at 7.15pm local time.
But the club have been forced to cancel that as they are not set to arrive in Naples until 9.30pm due to Air Traffic Control issues in the UK.
Arteta and his players are understood to have stayed at the club’s training ground, which is 20 minutes from Luton Airport, while they waited for the delay.
It is hoped that will minimise any impact to the squad, with the main issue being a later arrival time in Italy.
Clubs are due to hold a pre-match press conference ahead of Champions League matches, but UEFA agreed to let Arsenal cancel theirs due to the circumstances.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
MYLES IN THE TANK
Secret conversation that convinced Lewis-Skelly to reject Man Utd
Welcome player
Join Sun Vegas now and claim a 100% deposit match bonus and 100 free spins
Among those travelling to face Napoli will be right-back Jurrien Timber, who is back fit after a groin issue.
The Dutchman picked up the injury back in March and has been battling it ever since then.
He was able to come off the bench in the Champions League final in May, however he missed this summer’s World Cup.
Timber could feature on Wednesday night and he has been stepping up his recovery over the past few weeks.
Most read in Sport
MEGA SMASH
Horror moment Porsche race car driver flies off track and smashes into barrier
BERNIE ARREST
Bernie Ecclestone, 95, arrested for ‘illegally carrying shotgun at airport’
BILL PLEASE
Punters smash into Joseph O’Brien St Leger horse after jockey booking confirmed
MYLES IN THE TANK
Secret conversation that convinced Lewis-Skelly to reject Man Utd
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
Arsenal ticket and hospitality deals
GET tickets to see Arsenal home games with these official deals.
The packages include optional upgrades to VIP hospitality.
⚽ 10 Oct v Leeds United — BOOK from £625
⚽ 13 Oct v Lille — BOOK from £295
⚽ 24 Oct v Everton — BOOK from £550
⚽ 7 Nov v Hull City — BOOK from £525
⚽ 24 Nov v Borussia Dortmund — BOOK from £395
*If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.
This is not the first time Arsenal have had travel issues ahead of a Champions League match.
Three years ago their flight to France to face Lens was delayed by storms and they were forced to cancel their press conference.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun.