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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot 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 truly dangerous circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long list of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absentees

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

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a significant off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to dip into the winter 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 important those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team suffered their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth straight successive European match.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."