Champions League pre-match press conference cancelled: Arsenal flight delayed by UK air traffic control failure

Before Arsenal's first Champions League away match against Napoli had even begun, the team was affected by a failure in the UK's air traffic control system. The pre-match press conference scheduled for Tuesday evening in Italy was cancelled, and manager Mikel Arteta and defender Riccardo Calafiori were unable to face reporters as planned.

Flight delay leads to cancellation of pre-match media session

A technical failure in the UK's air traffic control system affected operations at multiple airports. Arsenal's squad waited at their training base before later heading to the airport. Due to the delay, the team was expected to arrive in Naples at around 9:30 p.m. local time, or around 8:30 p.m. British Summer Time.

This is Arsenal's first return to European competition since losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in last season's Champions League final. That final was held in Budapest, with Arsenal ultimately defeated in the penalty shootout.

Timber travels with squad, Mosquera remains doubtful

Defender Jurrien Timber has travelled with the squad for the away match and is nearing a return from injury. The 25-year-old Dutch defender has not played since coming on as a substitute in the Champions League final, underwent groin surgery in the summer, and missed the World Cup as a result.

Before Sunday's 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea, Arteta said Timber was in very good condition and had trained with the squad for several weeks. However, it remains uncertain whether another defender, Mosquera, will be available against Napoli. He suffered a muscle injury against Aston Villa and missed the match with Chelsea. Apart from the long-term absence of Saliba, the 22-year-old was the only Arsenal first-team player not to take part in training on Tuesday.

Arsenal begin league campaign with three straight wins

As the reigning Premier League champions, Arsenal have started the new season with three consecutive victories, defeating Coventry, Aston Villa and Chelsea in succession.