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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his team's chase for titles this season is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Latest Squad News

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to Belgium 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 European squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.

"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really vicious cycle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a extensive list of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last season, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," according to the manager.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, citing a lack of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a major off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not planning to dip into the January transfer market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a question of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the summit of the league to two points.

Attention now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League fixture.

"The team is frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," he stated. "This isn't like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."