Arteta confirms Zubimendi is back for Arsenal's trip to Bayern

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Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Martin Zubimendi is available for Arsenal's Champions League trip to Bayern Munich, with Piero Hincapie also closing in on a return.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference in Munich, Arteta was asked directly for an injury update ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League group phase clash. “Yes, he's back with us. He will be involved tomorrow,” Arteta said of Zubimendi. On Hincapie, he added: “Let's see, if he's able to train in the next few days as well, he can be available for Everton, which would be great news.”

Arsenal trained at London Colney on Tuesday morning before flying out to Germany, where Arteta's side are looking to extend their unbeaten run in the competition's league phase to 15 straight wins. Bayern currently hold the record with 17.

Souness' Saka comments and style scrutiny

Arteta was also quizzed on Graeme Souness' criticism of Bukayo Saka on a podcast, where the pundit labelled the winger a cheat. Arteta said he had not heard the comments and declined to respond directly. “I haven't heard it and I'm not going to make any comments about opinions,” he said, before adding more broadly: “We are open to opinions. It's part of our job. It's part of our roles. And those opinions have to be respected. Especially if they are done in a respectful way.”

On the subject of fresh scrutiny over Arsenal's style of play following Sunday's 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, Arteta pushed back on the idea that there is widespread debate. “I don't have that impression because I heard that the style was incredible,” he said. “We have scored so many goals, we have more possession, more shots, different players participating, no goals on set pieces. So the story is completely different to last year.”

Konsa and Gabriel praised, Kompany doubt for Bayern

Arteta was asked about comments from Oliver Glasner suggesting Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes are the best centre back pairing in the world. “Now that's a great opinion!” Arteta responded. “For me, my players are the best in the world and I think the partnership that they have developed in such a short period of time is a huge remarkable credit to both of them.” He also revealed he had not been aware that Konsa has yet to concede a goal against Harry Kane from open play.

On the opposition touchline, Bayern boss Vincent Kompany is a doubt for the game due to illness. Arteta, who worked with Kompany at Manchester City, said he hoped his former colleague would be fit to be involved. “I hope that he gets soon better. I hope that he's there tomorrow because he will be very good for the game,” he said, calling himself “a huge admirer” of Kompany both as a person and a coach.

Arsenal will be looking to back up Arteta's confidence with a result at the Allianz Arena as the Champions League campaign continues.