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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being threatened by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling fixture list.

Fresh Squad News

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really dangerous circle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long list of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absentees

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

Arteta rejected the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of time for drills. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a major summer investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to dip into the winter transfer market.

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

Next Challenge

The team experienced their initial defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their lead at the summit of the league to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would all but secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth successive European fixture.

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