Inter vs Arsenal LIVE: Champions League build-up and updates as Martin Odegaard returns to bench

Arsenal travel to Italy this evening when they take on Inter Milan in the league phase of the Champions League. The Gunners have made a strong start to their European campaign but sit just outside the automatic qualifying spots after three games.

Mikel Arteta’s men are unbeaten from their first three matches with wins over Paris Saint-Germain and Shakhtar Donetsk following a goalless draw with Atalanta on the opening gameweek. The Champions League offers Arsenal the chance to get back to winning ways after losing to Newcastle at the weekend. They have seven points and will keep in touch with the teams near the top of the table should they leave the San Siro victorious.

For their part, Inter Milan have similarly performed well with confident wins over Young Boys and Red Star Belgrade coming after a draw against Man City. They are currently second in the Serie A table and are on an eight-game unbeaten streak since a 2-1 loss to AC Milan in September.

Follow all the Champions League action with our live blog below:

Inter Milan vs Arsenal LIVE

• Inter Milan host Arsenal in the Champions League with kick off at 8pm, live on TNT Sports

• Inter are unbeaten in European top-flight this season including 0-0 draw with Man City

• Arsenal hoping to get back to winning ways after Newcastle defeat

• Inter XI: Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bisseck; Dumfries, Frttesi, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Darmian; Taremi, L. Martinez

• Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Merino, Partey; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz

Big games bring pressure

19:25 , Mike Jones

Saka also admitted that big games such as these in the Champions League tend to bring the best out of him despite the increase in pressure on the team.

He said: “In these big games, there’s always a big atmosphere, there’s always a lot of pressure, a lot of intensity and for me I feel it brings the best out of me, so I’m looking forward to it.

“We have a very good record and we’re unbeaten. We’re going to look to keep that record tomorrow night and that’s all we can really do.”

Arsenal Women forced to move Champions League game over clash with men’s team

19:22 , Mike Jones

Arsenal Women have moved their headline Champions League clash with Bayern Munich away from the Emirates Stadium due to a fixture clash with the men’s team.

The Women’s Super League side have been forced into a change of venue because of the men’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace which can only be played on the same date as the scheduled meeting with Bayern.

Both games will take place on Wednesday 18th December.

Arsenal Women forced to move Champions League game over clash with men’s team

Saka on Arsenal’s ‘belief’

19:20 , Mike Jones

Arsenal have been in a poor run of form recently but Bukayo Saka does not think it is time to worry yet and says he, and his teammates, have the belief to turn things around.

“For me, I always live by the quote, ‘it’s not what you see, it’s what you believe’,” he said ahead of Arsenal’s tie against Inter Milan at San Siro.

“If you look at our squad, the quality we have, the players we have, and at the same time we’re only in November so I don’t think I’ve lost any belief.

“Obviously there’s a lot of noise around the club and we lost two games and drew another one but at the same time it’s important to stay calm. We don’t want to create any panic and chaos. I don’t think we need that right now.

“I’m just doing my best to help the team in every way I can and if I need to do that I’ll do that for sure.”

Bukayo Saka confident Arsenal can win trophy

19:15 , Mike Jones

A defiant Bukayo Saka said he has not lost the belief that Arsenal will end this season with silverware amid a turbulent spell for the club.

The Gunners have taken just one point from their last three Premier League matches to slip off the title pace, while sporting director Edu rocked the club with his resignation bombshell.

Saka, who has starred for Arsenal this season, said in the aftermath of his side’s impressive 2-0 win against Paris St Germain in October that he feels this will be the season that the Gunners dethrone Manchester City.

I don’t think I’ve lost any belief – Bukayo Saka confident Arsenal can win trophy

Arsenal unbeaten

19:10 , Mike Jones

Arsenal have picked up seven points in their first three league phase matches. They followed up an opening 0-0 draw at Atalanta with home victories over Paris (2-0) and Shakhtar (1-0).

Odegaard is back

19:06 , Richard Jolly

“The news Arsenal have been waiting two months for: Martin Odegaard is back. On the bench anyway, even if his return is offset by the loss of Declan Rice.

“Inter seem to have prioritised the top-of-the-table clash with Napoli at the weekend by putting Nicolo Barella, Marcus Thuram and Federico Dimarco on the bench.”

Inzaghi on Arsenal

19:05 , Mike Jones

“Arsenal are very well known, with a great coach like Arteta and a clear identity, aggressive and dynamic.” said Inter boss Simone Inzaghi

“They’ve gone toe-to-toe with Manchester City in the last two seasons and they’re one of the strongest sides in Europe. Arsenal are our top priority, last year they went far and are one of the favourites to win the competition.”

Arsenal will want revenge after Newcastle defeat warns Inzaghi

19:00 , Mike Jones

Inter boss Simone Inzaghi warned his team: “It is likely that they (Arsenal) have reasons for revenge.

“I watched them play against Newcastle, but playing away to them is really tough. It was an interesting match, but we know that we will be facing a side that will want to put on a show.”

Simone Inzaghi warns Inter to expect Arsenal backlash

18:55 , Mike Jones

Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi believes Arsenal will be out for revenge ahead of their Champions League clash at the San Siro.

The Gunners head into the fixture having taken just one point from their last three Premier League matches, and only four days after they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.

Inter are unbeaten in their last seven games and have not conceded a goal in Europe so far this term.

Simone Inzaghi warns Inter to expect Arsenal backlash

Inter Milan line-up

18:49 , Mike Jones

Inter XI: Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bisseck; Dumfries, Frttesi, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Darmian; Taremi, L. Martinez

Subs: Gennaro, J. Martinez, Arnautovic, Thuram, Acerbi, Buchanan, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Barella, Dimarco, Bastoni

Arsenal line-up

18:47 , Mike Jones

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Merino, Partey; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz

Subs: Neto, Setford, Odegaard, Jesus, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Sterling, Butler-Oyedeji, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Robinson

Can Arsenal win in Europe again?

18:40 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta’s side have enjoyed a strong start in Europe with a draw away at Atalanta before successive home wins against Paris St Germain and Shakhtar Donetsk.

“In moments when you have a defeat or two or certain news nobody expects, we stick together and bring positive energy,” said Arteta.

“My blood is pumping because this is the kind of game we want to play. They [Inter] were in the final of the Champions League two years ago. They won the Scudetto last year.

“We want to show the ambition we have. These are the games we want to play, that’s for sure.”

Arteta on Rice’s absence

18:35 , Mike Jones

The Arsenal boss said: “Declan unfortunately picked up an injury against Newcastle,” said Arteta.

“It is a knock, a problem on his foot, and he wasn’t comfortable to put his boots on so at the moment he is not fit. He wasn’t feeling good the last few days.

“We’ll have to assess him on Thursday and see if he’s ready for Chelsea.”

Declan Rice injury blow for Arsenal ahead of Champions League trip to Milan

18:30 , Mike Jones

Declan Rice has been ruled out of Arsenal’s Champions League match against Inter Milan in the latest injury blow to manager Mikel Arteta.

Rice sustained a foot problem in the Gunners’ 1-0 Premier League defeat at Newcastle and has not travelled to Italy.

Arsenal, who trail leaders Liverpool by seven points, face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Declan Rice injury blow for Arsenal ahead of Champions League trip to Milan

Saka will captain Arsenal

18:25 , Mike Jones

In Odegaard’s absence, Bukayo Saka was given the captain’s armband and has been developing his leadership skills on and off the pitch.

Arteta explained why he chose Saka to fill Odegaard’s shoes saying: “People admire and respect him – he’s one of our biggest players and our biggest talents but also one of our leaders. He’s earned that status in the team.”

Arteta on Odegaard

18:20 , Mike Jones

Martin Odegaard has returned to training for Arsenal and could feature in tonight’s match though it seems safe to assume he would be a substitute.

The Gunners’ captain has recovered from injury but may not be match fit yet. Mikel Arteta spoke about Odegaard’s return at his press conference yesterday saying: “Great to have him back for a full session today.

“He felt good and he wanted to be with the team. We will decide if we use him tomorrow.”

‘Arsenal are not just Saka’

18:15 , Mike Jones

Inter Milan defender Matteo Darmian spoke about his team’s ambition and what they want to take away from tonight’s match saying: “Our ambitions are always high. Every day we try to improve, and now we want to show it on the pitch.

“We know that we’ll face a strong team, but we’re no different, and we’ll take confidence from playing in our stadium.”

Darmian also explained how Inter are preparing for Arsenal’s threats not just singling out Bukayo Saka as the one to watch. He added: “Arsenal are not just Saka; they are a great collective. We will have to perform well as a team if we want to get a result.”

Mikel Arteta explains ‘special chemistry’ with departing Arsenal director Edu

18:10 , Mike Jones

Mikel Arteta opened up on his relationship with former Arsenal sporting director Edu after his shock departure from the club overshadowed the Gunners’ preparations for their Champions League clash with Inter Milan.

Edu played a vital role in first bringing Arteta to the Emirates Stadium and then shaping the side into Premier League title contenders with some of the best business including the signings of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.

Mikel Arteta explains ‘special chemistry’ with departing Arsenal director Edu

Mikel Arteta on working with Edu

18:05 , Mike Jones

The Gunners manager praised the departing Sporting Director and says he feels ‘blessed’ to have been able to work alongside him to raise Arsenal’s prospect.

“Everything happened very quickly,” Arteta said, “Obviously I loved working with him. I really enjoyed being alongside him in this incredible journey.

“From day one, we’ve been together. We both had this special chemistry and I’m very blessed that he’s been part of my life in such a beautiful place, managing this incredible club, and he’s been a massive part of that.

‘We want to win the right way’

18:00 , Mike Jones

During his tenure as Arsenal Sporting Director Edu always maintained that winning was not enough for the Gunners and that their style was also paramount to their success.

“I want to win the best way possible,” he said. “When we win the trophy, it is because we did it the right way. Ask every single Arsenal fan how they feel about that.”

Edu’s exit will force Arsenal hierarchy to reshuffle

17:55 , Miguel Delaney

Arsenal are set to lose sporting director Edu Gaspar with the Brazilian poised to join up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis and his network of clubs.

The departure will remove one of Mikel Arteta’s key allies at the Emirates after a successful period establishing the Gunners as one of the most efficient clubs in Europe in the transfer market.

Edu has been in talks with the Marinakis group and could now lead their recruitment to assist with the likes of Nottingham Forest and Greek club Olympiacos, as well as Portuguese side Rio Ave.

The Independent understands Edu had held ambitions to become CEO at Arsenal, a position the Marinakis group is willing to meet, while also improving his wages by more than three times that of his existing salary at the Emirates.

The Brazilian has played a vital role in Arteta’s side emerging as Premier League title contenders with some of the best business in recent years including the signings of Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.

The former Arsenal midfielder has established himself as one of the game’s leading sporting directors after impressing with both signings and trimming down the Gunners’ squad after selling Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.

The move will force a reshuffle at the top of the Arsenal hierarchy at a pivotal time for the club and their push to wrestle the title away from Manchester City.

The Arsenal decision behind Edu’s exit and what it means for Mikel Arteta

17:50 , Mike Jones

In terms of timing, the news that Edu is set to leave Arsenal couldn’t really have been worse for the club. They’re on this bad run, and it suddenly paints the picture of dysfunction behind the scenes that could further affect what happens on the pitch.

The reality is that this news stems from discussions that have been going on from back when results were far better. The Evangelos Marinakis ownership group has wanted Edu for some time, and they have been willing to more than treble his wages and increase his power. The Brazilian is understood to have been on a salary of around £2m at Arsenal.

From that perspective, it makes rather simple sense. There are still questions, not least over what it means for Arsenal, as well as the power dynamics at the club. The Marinakis ownership group is meanwhile clearly intent on expanding.

The Arsenal decision behind Edu’s exit and what it means for Mikel Arteta

‘The new format is more challenging’

17:45 , Mike Jones

Lots of talk this week has centred on the new Champions League format in which sides play eight matches in a new ‘league phase’ with finishing positions determining who goes through to the next round or must face a play-off match.

Simone Inzaghi believes the changes have made the Champions League more difficult saying: “The new format is more challenging.

“Whereas before you prepared for three opponents, now you have to consider eight. It’s more fascinating and, if it improves the spectacle, we’re happy.”

Inzaghi addresses how he’ll beat Arsenal

17:40 , Mike Jones

The Inter Milan boss is confident his team can overcome the Gunners tonight especially with home advantage spurring his side on.

In his pre-match press conference, Simone Inzaghi touched on his gameplan and how he plans on beating Arsenal.

He said: “We want to keep the ball as much as we can. Arsenal can cause us problems when they have ball, but we can do the same when we’re in possession.”

‘We know we are working well’

17:35 , Mike Jones

Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi says his team are in great form ahead of Wednesday night’s visit from Arsenal and believes his players have what it takes to secure three points.

He said: “We know we are working well. In the last eight games, we have seven wins and a draw. We know what awaits us – Arsenal are among the strongest teams in Europe – but we are playing in our stadium and we believe in our chances.”

Arsenal receive Martin Odegaard boost but Declan Rice adds to injury concerns

17:30 , Mike Jones

Martin Odegaard is set to hand Arsenal a major boost by making his comeback against Inter Milan, but Declan Rice has missed out on the travelling squad.

Odegaard – who has been out of action since September with an ankle injury – trained alongside his team-mates at Arsenal’s London Colney base on Tuesday morning.

And it is understood Odegaard will travel to Milan ahead of his side’s Champions League fixture at San Siro on Wednesday. Rice, however, has not travelled to Italy but only as a precaution ahead of the crucial London derby with Chelsea on Sunday.

Arsenal receive Martin Odegaard boost but Declan Rice adds to injury concerns

Inter vs Arsenal predicted line-ups

17:25 , Mike Jones

Here’s how we see the two teams lining-up this evening. Arsenal seem to have a fairly decent squad available though they will probably be without influential captain Martin Odegaard once again.

Inter XI: Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Mkhitaryan, Calhanoglu, Dimarco; Taremi, Martinez.

Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Merino, Trossard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Arsenal early team news

17:20 , Mike Jones

Martin Odegaard is moving closer to a return for Arsenal after missing much of the last two months with an ankle injury and has made the trip to Italy.

Declan Rice has not travelled, however, as a precaution ahead of Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.

Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes were able to feature against Newcastle after overcoming their issues, but defensive trio Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney and Riccardo Calafiori remain sidelined.

Inter Milan early team news

17:15 , Mike Jones

Alessandro Bastoni exited Inter’s league win against Venezia prematurely to spark injury fears, but it appears the defender was only dealing with cramp rather than anything more serious. He may therefore take up his place in Simone Inzaghi‘s back three.

How can I watch it?

17:10 , Mike Jones

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7pm GMT. Subscribers can stream the action via discovery+.

If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

When is Inter vs Arsenal?

17:05 , Mike Jones

The Champions League clash between Inter and Arsenal is due to kick off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday 6 November at the San Siro in Milan.

Inter vs Arsenal

17:00 , Mike Jones

Arsenal will look to put their stuttering domestic form behind them as they continue their Champions League campaign with a trip to Italy to face Inter Milan.

Mikel Arteta’s side suffered a significant set-back in their title chase with a defeat at Newcastle on Saturday, with a couple of key injuries unsettling the London club’s squad.

They have made a solid start in this competition, though, with two wins and a draw from their first three games leaving them well placed.

Inter, meanwhile, have the same record and like their visitors are yet to concede a Champions League goal this season.

Good evening!

14:02 , Mike Jones

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Champions League action where Arsenal make the trip to Italy to take on Inter Milan in the league phase.

Yesterday’s results were a mixed bag for British teams as Liverpool swept Bayer Leverkusen aside and Celtic came from behind to defeat RB Leipzig while Manchester City were beaten 4-1 by Ruben Amorim’s Sporting CP.

Arsenal have been in a poor run of form and Mikel Arteta will be hoping his team can emulate Liverpool with a convincing European win tonight.

We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the night so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.