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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for honors this season is being threatened by a concerning cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Squad News

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward registered to their European squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle injury.

"Training, 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 consequence to that and it's a really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from surgery and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta rejected the idea that training methods were to blame, pointing to a lack of time for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a significant off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to enter the January transfer market.

"Right now we're just focusing on bringing the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of a short time," he commented. "We know how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team suffered their first defeat in 18 games at the weekend, cutting their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Attention now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive Champions League fixture.

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