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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker added to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle problem.

"Practice, 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 knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous cycle."

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 recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from surgery and "needs more time," according to the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that training intensity were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a major summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to enter the January recruitment market.

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

Next Challenge

The team experienced their first loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their advantage at the top of the league to two points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group win would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth consecutive European fixture.

"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 remain united."