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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this season is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of injuries and a grueling fixture list.

Fresh Squad Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

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

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

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long series of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last season, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the idea that training methods were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a major summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the club is not looking to dip into the winter transfer market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a question of weeks," he said. "We know how crucial those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

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

Attention now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would virtually guarantee a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight successive Champions League fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he stated. "It's not like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."