03 October 2023 , 04:30
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Arsenal suffered severe travel delays ahead of their first Champions League away game in six years on Monday.
But the Gunners will not face a UEFA fine after seeing their pre-match press conference cancelled after their chartered flight to Lens was grounded at Luton Airport for more than FIVE HOURS.
Arsenal face Lens at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Tuesday night, looking to build on their 4-0 thrashing a fortnight ago after returning to Europe's top table. They trained at London Colney on Monday morning and were due to fly to France in the afternoon.
But bad weather and high winds saw their flight delayed, meaning Arteta and French defender William Saliba could not take part in their expected media conference at 7pm. UEFA usually penalise sides who don't comply with their pre-game duties, but Arsenal will not face a fine as the cancellation was beyond their control. Their flight eventually took off in the evening.
Among those travelling were Bukayo Saka, who was deemed fit to travel despite an injury during the match at Bournemouth on Saturday, and Thomas Partey, who is now fit again after being sidelined since August with a groin injury. The club had hoped to have him back for the Manchester City match on Sunday, but he is back sooner than expected.
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Arteta expressed his relief at Partey's recovery, stating:"He's progressed really well in the last two weeks and he managed to train in the last two or three days with the team and that’s great news for us obviously," the Gunners boss said. "I think his progression in the last week has been very good. He might have some exposure tomorrow depending how the game goes."
When quizzed on Saka's fitness after the winger limped off during Arsenal's trip to Bournemouth, Arteta said: "He's fine. He's much better. It was a big knock but he has recovered well and trained with us today."
Bukayo Saka in training on Monday (PA Wire/PA Images)Both Arteta and Saliba later spoke to a small number of reporters over the phone and the latter insisted everything would be fine heading into the game.
When asked if he was confident that the team would still perform at their peak, he responded: "Yes, of course. We have to arrive first but tomorrow is another day and we will give our best against Lens."
"It is a really good feeling. My second game in the Champions League with Arsenal. I can't wait to play in France so it is a good feeling. We know it won't be an easy game. It is a really good team who finished second last season."
"They didn't start well but in the last two or three games, they are better so we have to be focused on tomorrow and give our best."
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