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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his team's pursuit for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a grueling fixture list.

Fresh Team News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable.

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

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long series of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," according to the manager.

Arteta rejected the idea that training intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a significant off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not planning to dip into the winter transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The team suffered their first loss in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their lead at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage win would virtually guarantee a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive Champions League fixture.

"The team is frustrated with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he said. "It's not like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."