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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being threatened by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Latest Team News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League trip to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle problem.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to blame, pointing to a lack of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a significant 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 bringing the players back and hopefully it will be a question of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually guarantee a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive European match.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," Martinelli said. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."