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

Fresh Team News

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But clearly 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 really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a extensive series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absentees

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a significant summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely 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 commented. "It's clear how important those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their first defeat in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group win would all but secure a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight successive European match.

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