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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his team's chase for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward registered to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously 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 latest in a long list of fitness problems for the club. Since the start 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 unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training methods were to culprit, citing a shortage of time for drills. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a major off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely planning to dip into the winter recruitment market.

"Right now we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of weeks," he said. "We know how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the summit of the league to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group win would virtually secure a top-eight finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive European match.

"We are frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," he said. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."