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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for honors this campaign is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

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Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for 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 truly vicious cycle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a extensive series of injuries for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest 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 "requires more time," according to the boss.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training intensity were to culprit, pointing to a lack of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a major off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to dip into the January transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their initial defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the top of the league to two points.

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group win would virtually guarantee a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight successive Champions League fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the result, but we have to move forward," Martinelli said. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."