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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Squad Update

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.

"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long series of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absences

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

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

Recruitment Strategy

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

"Right now we're just concentrating on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a question of a short time," he commented. "We know how important those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad experienced their initial loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would all but secure a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League fixture.

"We are disappointed with the result, but we have to move forward," he said. "It's not like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."