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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for honors this season is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Latest Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle injury.

"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive series of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to recover from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice methods were to blame, citing a shortage of time for sessions. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a major summer spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to enter the winter transfer market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of weeks," he commented. "We know how important those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their lead at the summit of the league to two clear points.

Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth successive European fixture.

"The team is frustrated with the result, but we have to move forward," he said. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."