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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this season is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Latest Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot injury.

"Training, no because we lack 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 fitness problems for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "needs more time," according to the manager.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training methods were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Plans

Despite a significant off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to dip into the January transfer market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their initial defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the summit of the league to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group victory would all but secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive European fixture.

"We are disappointed with the result, but we have to move forward," he stated. "This isn't like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."