Arsenal go into their third league phase game in the UEFA Champions League with a timely boost, and a little more to wait on. Mikel Arteta confirmed at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night that Zubi is back with the squad and will be involved against Bayern Munich, while Piero may yet be in line for the Everton fixture if he can train in the next few days.
That matters because this is exactly the sort of night Arsenal want their options for. Bayern Munich are not just a difficult opponent, but a highly coached and high-quality one, and Arteta made clear that he sees the match as a benchmark for where his team wants to be. It is a stage Arsenal want to belong on, and the manager’s tone suggested no shortage of ambition heading into Munich.
Arsenal’s team news offers a short-term lift
Arteta’s update on Zubi was the clearest positive. He said the player is back with the group, meaning Arsenal will have him available for tomorrow’s match in Munich. In a game that will demand discipline, control and sharp decision-making, having another option back in the fold is useful even before any deeper tactical questions are asked.
Piero’s situation is more cautious, but still encouraging. Arteta said the player could be available for Everton, provided he is able to train in the next few days. That keeps the timeline open without overstating the recovery, and it gives Arsenal something to work with beyond this immediate Champions League test.
Arteta sees Bayern as the right kind of challenge
The manager’s comments were not only about fitness. He described Bayern as the kind of club, coach, stadium and opponent that players want to experience when the stakes rise. He also said Arsenal are there to prove they belong at this level, on this stage, and that the club’s ambition is to keep improving.
That is a useful frame for the match itself. Arsenal are not treating Munich as just another away trip; they are treating it as a measuring stick. And with Zubi back for Bayern and Piero potentially moving closer to Everton, the squad picture is a little brighter at an important point in the season.
