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

Latest Team News

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the Champions League trip to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward registered to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up 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 setback is the most recent in a extensive series of injuries for the club. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," according to the manager.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice methods were to blame, pointing to a lack of time for sessions. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a major summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is not looking to enter the January transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad suffered their initial defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the top of the league to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually guarantee a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive European match.

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