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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Latest Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot injury.

"Practice, no because we don't have 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 cycle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a long list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 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 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training intensity were to culprit, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Even after a major off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is not looking to dip into the January transfer market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a matter of a short time," he said. "We know how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad suffered their initial loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth successive Champions League match.

"We are disappointed 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 remain united."