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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's chase for titles this season is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Squad News

Star player Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle problem.

"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 vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long list of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice intensity were to culprit, pointing to a lack of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a major summer investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to enter the winter recruitment market.

"Right now we're just focusing on getting the players back and with luck 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 matches at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Attention now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group victory would all but secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive European fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he stated. "It's not like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."