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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this season is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Latest Team News

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

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

"Training, no because we lack 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 really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absentees

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training intensity were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Plans

Even after a significant summer spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to enter the winter recruitment market.

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

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their first defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the top of the league to two points.

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

"We are frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli said. "It's not like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."