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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's chase for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of injuries and a grueling fixture list.

Fresh Squad Update

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

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously 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 dangerous circle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training methods were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Transfer Strategy

Even after a major off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not planning to enter the January transfer market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a question of weeks," he said. "We know how important those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their initial loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the top of the league to two points.

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group win would all but guarantee a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth successive Champions League fixture.

"We are disappointed with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli said. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."