Why isn’t Scott McTominay playing for Napoli against Arsenal in the Champions League?

Subtle balances, opposing philosophies. Napoli vs. Arsenal will provide the first gala night of the new Champions League season at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

The hosts head into the game with Massimiliano Allegri preparing for his first international appearance in charge of the Azzurri, who are still licking their wounds after an unconvincing start to the Serie A season. Their problems were laid bare at San Siro last weekend, when Napoli surrendered a 2-0 lead as Inter came roaring back to win 3-2 in the second half.

Where’s Scott McTominay?

In addition to Scott McTominay, who underwent successful surgery to correct a minor benign arrhythmia, Allegri will be without two other important players.

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa is unavailable in midfield, while David Neres will be missing from the attack after sitting out the team’s final training session.

Arsenal, the reigning English champions and Champions League runners-up after losing last season’s final to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, have picked up under Mikel Arteta exactly where they left off. The Gunners have won their opening three Premier League games with their familiar defensive solidity, tactical maturity and flair.

They could hardly be a tougher opponent for Napoli, especially as they are once again proving almost impenetrable, having conceded just one goal in three games. A lengthy flight delay prevented Arsenal from completing their final preparations and attending the scheduled pregame events. It has hardly been the calmest buildup, but the Gunners are already accustomed to high drama and dizzying occasions.

NAPOLI (4-2-3-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Rafa Marín, Olivera; Gilmour, Lobotka; Politano, De Bruyne, Alisson; Højlund. Coach: Massimiliano Allegri

ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Bruno Guimarães, Rice; Saka, Ødegaard, Eze; Havertz. Coach: Mikel Arteta

Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)

Time: 3 p.m. ET

Stadium: Diego Armando Maradona Stadium

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