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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's chase for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Latest Team Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt 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 loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive series of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning 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 unlikely to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to recover from surgery and "needs more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that training intensity were to blame, pointing to a lack of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a major off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the club is not looking to enter the winter transfer market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a matter of a short time," he said. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team experienced their initial defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the summit of the league to two points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group win would virtually guarantee a top-eight finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive European fixture.

"We are disappointed with the result, but we have to move forward," Martinelli said. "This isn't like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."