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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning cycle of injuries and a grueling fixture list.

Fresh Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

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

"Practice, 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 knock-on effect to that and it's a really vicious cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the beginning 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," according to the boss.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of time for drills. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Transfer Plans

Despite a significant summer investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not planning to enter the winter recruitment market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad suffered their first defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the summit of the league to two points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group win would all but guarantee a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth straight successive Champions League fixture.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."