Mikel Arteta press conference cancelled after storm grounds Arsenal’s flight to France

Arsenal’s flight to France has been delayed due to storms in the UK, with Mikel Arteta’s planned press conference ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash at Lens cancelled.

Arteta was due to face the media at 6pm at the Estadio Bollaert-Delelis to preview his side’s second group stage clash of the campaign.

But the press conference has now been called off, with Arsenal’s plane unable to leave England at its scheduled time due to stormy weather around Luton airport.

It is currently unclear when the squad will arrive in France.

Arsenal trained at their London Colney training base on Monday morning and Arteta was boosted ahead of Tuesday night’s crucial clash by the return of Thomas Partey.

The midfielder has not featured for Arsenal since the 2-2 draw with Fulham in August due to a groin injury, but he is now back full training with the squad.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus were also both in training on Monday, despite suffering knocks towards the end of Saturday’s win at Bournemouth.

Gabriel Martinelli (hamstring) remains unavailable, however.