Story perspectives

Arsenal’s Napoli trip delayed; Arteta names lineup

9/9/2026

Summary

Arsenal Delayed Arrival

Arsenal flights were delayed, causing the team to arrive in Naples at 9:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
Napoli will host Arsenal in the Champions League opener at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 9, 2026.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will start White, Konsa, Gabriel and Hincapié, with Saliba and Mosquera missing.
Opta gives Arsenal a 52 % win probability (odds 1.27) and Napoli a 22 % chance (odds 4.00).

Summary

McTominay Recovering

Scott McTominay underwent a successful heart ablation and will rest two weeks.
Luca Marianucci will miss the Napoli-Arsenal match after a pre-season knee injury.
Giovane remains sidelined following a hernia operation performed earlier this summer.
Jurrien Timber trained after minor summer surgery, indicating fitness progress.
The Napoli-Arsenal match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports via HBO Max and Prime Video.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, UEFA introduced the Champions League group-stage format, culminating in Ajax’s 1-0 victory over AC Milan in Vienna and set a precedent for European finals. The inaugural season featured 32 clubs, with UEFA reporting a 45 % increase in global television revenue, reaching $1.2 billion. Similarly, the 2026 Napoli-Arsenal opener at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona faces travel delays, injury absences, a pre-season injury list, and a TNT Sports broadcast partnership. The 1995 revenue surge demonstrated how logistical challenges and media rights can reshape club finances, foreshadowing intensified commercial stakes for both clubs in 2026.

1 of 3

Arsenal Delayed Arrival

Arsenal flights were delayed, causing the team to arrive in Naples at 9:30 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
Napoli will host Arsenal in the Champions League opener at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 9, 2026.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will start White, Konsa, Gabriel and Hincapié, with Saliba and Mosquera missing.
Opta gives Arsenal a 52 % win probability (odds 1.27) and Napoli a 22 % chance (odds 4.00).

1 / 3