Mikel Arteta Excited About Arsenal's Champions League Return

 Mikel Arteta Excited About Arsenal's Champions League Return

Mikel Arteta Excited About Arsenal's Champions League Return(Image-Getty)

Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, expressed his belief that the club deserves its place in the Champions League this season after a six-year absence. Arsenal is making a return to Europe's premier competition, with their last participation dating back to the 2016-17 campaign. In Group B, they will face PSV Eindhoven, Sevilla, and RC Lens.

Arteta conveyed his feelings about Arsenal's return to the Champions League, stating, "Every time I watched (the Champions League) and we weren't there, I felt it. This club has to be in the Champions League."

He continued, "It was a process but we are here and now we have to make the most out of it. It is always a learning process. I think we did and we have improved in a team, we have improved the squad and we deserve to be here... We are proud and excited. It has been a long time for the club since we have been in the competition, and for me, it is the first time as a manager, so I am really looking forward to it."

Arsenal had encountered PSV in last year's Europa League, where both teams secured home victories during the group stage.

Arteta emphasized the need to approach the upcoming Champions League match against PSV with the same intensity as any other game, given Arsenal's regular battles against tough opposition in the Premier League.

Regarding their game against PSV, Arteta stated, "Tomorrow we are going to play against a really good team. They are used to winning, and it will be a really tough test, I am sure about that."

However, Arsenal will be without forward Gabriel Martinelli due to a muscle injury sustained during their recent Premier League victory over Everton. Arteta mentioned that further tests were needed to assess the injury, leaving open the possibility of Martinelli's return for the league clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.