Arsenal’s trip to France for their Champions League match against Lens was marred by a five-hour delay at Luton Airport, owing to poor weather conditions.

The delay led to the cancellation of a pre-match press conference scheduled with manager Mikel Arteta and defender William Saliba.

The squad was slated to depart for Lille at 4:15pm on Monday, but adverse weather prevented the flight from taking off until late in the evening. The team touched down in France at 10:40pm local time.

A representative from UEFA indicated that the delay, being a natural event, should not result in any repercussions for the club. It was reported last week that Newcastle United would ‘escape punishment’ for breaking UEFA rules in regards to arrival times following a two-and-a-half hour delay, despite that also being caused by a storm.

Before departing, the team trained at midday in London on Monday.

Thomas Partey, who had been sidelined for over a month due to a groin strain, returned to training.

Arteta, who answered questions over the phone due to the cancellation of the press conference, said, “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.”

Partey might see some action in the upcoming match, depending on how the game unfolds. “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 added.

Arteta also confirmed that Bukayo Saka travelled with the squad to France, after being forced off the pitch during Saturday’s win over Bournemouth due to a knock. “He’s fine, he’s much better. It was a big knock but he has recovered well and trained with us today,” said Arteta, adding that the team to face Lens would be decided on Tuesday.

Regarding Lens, last season’s Ligue 1 runners-up, Arteta spoke highly of their abilities.

“I’ve been really impressed [with them],” he said.

“What they did last year is incredible to be within a point of the title. The way they did it, the form they had at home. This season they’ve been really unlucky with some of the results they’ve had.

“At home they’ve got just one point and I don’t know how. So we expect a huge battle tomorrow. We’re more than aware of it. We showed the players everything and we have a huge test tomorrow.”

Despite the obstacles, Arsenal appear to be gearing up intensely for their Champions League match against Lens as they continue to navigate the challenges in their path.