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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's chase for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Squad Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle injury.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But clearly 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 truly dangerous circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long list of injuries for the club. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice methods were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a significant summer investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not looking to enter the January recruitment market.

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

Looking Ahead

The team suffered their first loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League match.

"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."