Mikel Arteta’s pre-Lens press conference was cancelled as the Arsenal squad have been stuck at Luton Airport because of storms delaying their flight to France
Video Loading
Video Unavailable
Arsenal train ahead of RC Lens
The Arsenal squad have been left stranded at Luton Airport ahead of their Champions League trip to Lens, cancelling Mikel Arteta’s planned pre-match press conference in the process.
Arteta was due to speak to the media at 6pm UK time on Monday as the Gunners prepare for their second European match of the season, after the 4-0 win over PSV last month.
But a storm in the surrounding areas of Luton Airport saw Arsenal’s scheduled flight delayed. The Gunners are not expected to arrive northern France until late on Monday, and Arteta has since conducted his media duties over the phone as he discussed a range of topics, including the fitness of Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka.
Arteta confirmed that Partey could play some part against Lens, after he was pictured back in training with the rest of the squad on Monday. “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 don’t know. 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.
Arteta was also asked about VAR after what happened during Tottenham’s win over Liverpool over the weekend, where he weighed him on his opinion following Luis Diaz’s controversial offside goal. The 41-year-old admitted the pressure is increasing on the officials across Europe, not just the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta has spoken to the media over the phone after his pre-Lens press conference was cancelled (
Image:
Getty Images)
“We had some big discussions before the start of the season and everyone had the right intentions to improve the game and find the best way to take it forward,” Arteta said. “But it’s true that with everything that already happened this season, not just in the Premier League but in other countries as well, the pressure is increasing.
“It’s not easy for them. It’s not easy for any club or any manager because that really affects part of the season or a result and that is a dangerous thing to do.”
It is unknown when Arsenal will land in France, but this is no doubt not ideal preparation for the Gunners ahead of their first Champions League away match for over six years. Arteta’s side come into the match in excellent form, however, having started the campaign unbeaten from nine matches.
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our __Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Watch the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and much more
TNT Sports gives you access to games across the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, Serie A and many more. You can also watch the biggest clashes in boxing, UFC, WWE and the get exclusive action from MLB all for one payment every month. You can watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
£29.99 a month and get access to discovery+ Premium at no extra cost
TNT Sports
