The FC Bayern squad and travelling party set off for London on Sunday evening, two days prior to the Champions League meeting with Arsenal. With the exception of youngster Milos Pantovic, the group comprised the players who returned to Munich from Bremen barely 24 hours earlier. As a bonus, Kingsley Coman boarded the plane after recovering from a sprain, as did number three keeper Ivan Lucic. Arjen Robben is close to a comeback but is not yet match fit.

"Due to the traffic situation in London, a trip from the Säbener Strasse to our hotel would take five to six hours. That would be a lot of time in buses and the plane on the day before the match," Pep Guardiola explained after the game in Bremen. Philipp Lahm commented: "There's a lot of travelling time in London so we're flying in two days before the game. We always prepare very professionally."

Lewandowski: I feel good

The clash at the Emirates Stadium will be "very tough," defender Jérôme Boateng said shortly before take-off, "but we're aiming to go there and win". "Arsenal are under pressure, but they're always dangerous at home," added Robert Lewandowski. The Gunners lost their first two group stage matches away to Dinamo Zagreb and at home to Olympicos.

The Pole took a knock in the Bremen match but will be "100 percent fit to play," he himself said, "I'm feeling very good." David Alaba is looking forward to the test of strength against the leading Premier League club: "It won't be easy in London, but we're all really up for it."