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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his team's chase for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Latest Squad News

Star player Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

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

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long series of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

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

Arteta dismissed the idea that training intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a major off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking to enter the January transfer market.

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

Next Challenge

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

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would all but guarantee a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth successive European match.

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