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

Fresh Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian 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 don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the North London side. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

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

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

Recruitment Strategy

Even after a significant off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to enter the winter transfer market.

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

Next Challenge

The squad experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the weekend, cutting their lead at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would all but secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth successive Champions League fixture.

"We are disappointed with the result, but we have to move forward," Martinelli said. "It's not like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."