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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's chase for titles this season is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Latest Team News

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender 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 hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really vicious circle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive series of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absentees

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

Arteta rejected the idea that practice intensity were to culprit, citing a lack of time for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a significant off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely looking to dip into the winter transfer market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a matter of weeks," he said. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group victory would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth straight successive European match.

"We are frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."