Arsenal are bracing themselves for a challenging away game against Lens in France on Tuesday.
Following their 4-0 win over PSV Eindhoven, the team now gears up for another significant match in the Champions League group stage.
Manager Mikel Arteta expects a “huge battle” as Lens, despite their current 15th place in Ligue 1, should not be underestimated.
Arsenal are in France to face Lens, last season’s Ligue 1 runners-up, for their first away game in this season’s Champions League competition.
The match comes after a decisive 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven.
Despite Lens’s challenging start to the season, which finds them in 15th place, Mikel Arteta said he expects a tough contest at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.
“I was really impressed with what they did last year,” Arteta noted on the eve of the match after his press conference was cancelled due to poor weather delaying Arsenal’s flight.
“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.”
Thomas Partey is set to return to the squad after missing the last six matches due to injury.
“He’s been progressing really well in the last two weeks, and he managed to train the last two or three days with the team. That’s great news for us obviously,” said Arteta.
“He’s progressing and has been very good in the past week. He is a big player and we know what he brings to the team.”
The club received another boost with positive news regarding winger Bukayo Saka, who was forced to leave the pitch during Arsenal’s 4-0 win against Bournemouth last Saturday.
“He’s fine, he’s much better,” Arteta confirmed. “Obviously he took a big knock but he’s recovered well and he trained today. It’s great if he’s available and we will make that call tomorrow.”
The encounter with Lens will be a homecoming of sorts for defender William Saliba, who enjoyed four successful seasons in France’s top-flight before making his debut for Arsenal.
Arteta lauded Saliba’s growth and influence in the squad. “When you look how he’s developing, his role in the team, the level and consistency he’s shown in the last year or so, it’s remarkable,” he said. “I don’t think you will find a lot of centre backs doing what he’s doing.”
Arteta also praised the players around Saliba. “Credit to the players around him as well, the way they are guiding him, protecting him, inspiring him and then with the qualities he has, the presence, the physicality and composure to be a leader in the back line for a big club like us, it’s a huge compliment.”
While some of Arsenal’s talents continue to recuperate, the young squad is setting their sights high for the European tournament. The team remains focussed as they approach their next big challenge against Lens.