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

Latest Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to Belgium 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 Brazilian forward added to their Champions League 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 missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long series 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 Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," according to the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to blame, citing a shortage of time for sessions. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a significant summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely looking to enter the January recruitment market.

"Right now we're just focusing on getting the players back and with luck it will be a matter of weeks," he commented. "We know how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their initial defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the summit of the league to two clear points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group victory would all but guarantee a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth straight successive Champions League fixture.

"The team is frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," he said. "This isn't like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."