William Saliba insists Arsenal will still be at their best form despite travel issues encountered ahead of their clash against Lens on Tuesday night.
The Gunners were supposed to depart London at 4.15 p.m. on Monday, but were delayed by almost five hours after bad weather delayed their flight to Lens.
Arsenal will take part in their first away game in the Champions League since 2017, but Saliba insisted his teammates would overcome struggles faced to reach the French city and try to win the game as much as possible.
Saliba says Arsenal will still play at their usual level
Arsenal were forced to cancel their pre-match conference and when asked during a phone call with reporters whether Saliba was confident his team would still play at their normal level, the Frenchman said: “Yeah of course. We have to arrive first but tomorrow is another day and we will give our best against Lens.”
“It is 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.”
Arsenal’s travelling group included Thomas Partey, who has not played for the Gunners since Aug. 26 due to a groin problem, but Gabriel Martinelli missed the trip due to a hamstring problem.
“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,” said manager Mikel Arteta.
“I think his progression in the last week has been very good. He might have some exposure tomorrow depending how the game goes.”
“He’s a big player and we know what he brings to the team. He knows exactly what we need and with the injuries we had to other players in midfield and at the back he complements us in a great way and gives us options. So it’s great to have him back again.”
Arteta also expects a difficult game from Lens, despite their domestic struggles this season.
“I was really impressed with what they did last year,” he added.
“It’s incredible to finish in that position, and the way they did it, the form they had at home. This season they have been really unlucky with some results. I don’t know how they don’t have more points, so we expect a huge battle tomorrow.”
“We are more than aware of it. They are a really good side and we have a huge test ahead of us tomorrow.”
