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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Latest Squad News

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward added to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive series of injuries for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training 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.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a significant summer spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is not planning to dip into the January recruitment market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of weeks," he said. "We know how important those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team suffered their first loss in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group win would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive Champions League match.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he said. "It's not like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."