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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's chase for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Latest Squad News

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and defender 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 comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.

"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly 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 circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long series of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Plans

Even after a major off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely looking to dip into the winter transfer market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a matter of weeks," he said. "We know how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their first defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would all but guarantee a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth straight successive Champions League match.

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