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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his team's chase for honors this season is being threatened by a concerning circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Latest Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League trip to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle problem.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

Even after a significant off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is not planning to enter the winter recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their initial defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the summit of the league to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group win would all but secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive European fixture.

"We are frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli said. "This isn't like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."