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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for honors this season is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Latest Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly vicious circle."

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

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from surgery and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training methods were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a major off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not looking to dip into the winter recruitment market.

"Right now we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of weeks," he said. "We know how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad experienced their first loss in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the top of the league to two clear points.

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

"We are frustrated with the outcome, 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."