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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle problem.

"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really dangerous circle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long series of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice methods were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a major off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the club is not looking to enter the winter recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how crucial those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their initial defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the summit of the league to two points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth straight successive European match.

"The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."