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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his team's pursuit for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Latest Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their European squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a long series of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that training methods were to blame, pointing to a lack of time for drills. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a significant summer spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely looking to dip into the winter recruitment market.

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

Next Challenge

The team experienced their first loss in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage victory would all but secure a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth consecutive Champions League match.

"We are frustrated with the outcome, but we have to move forward," Martinelli said. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."