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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this season is being jeopardized by a concerning cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

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

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a long series of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of time for sessions. He highlighted the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Even after a major summer spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking to enter the January transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the summit of the league to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group win would all but secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight successive European fixture.

"We are frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," he said. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."