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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his team's chase for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Team Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their European squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly vicious circle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a long series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last season, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," according to the boss.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to blame, citing a lack of time for drills. He emphasized the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a major off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking to dip into the January transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage win would all but secure a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by finding the net in a fifth successive Champions League match.

"The team is frustrated with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he stated. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."