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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's chase for titles this season is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Latest Squad News

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But clearly 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 setback is the most recent in a extensive series of fitness problems for the club. Since the start 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 unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to culprit, pointing to a lack of time for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Transfer Plans

Despite a significant off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to enter the January transfer market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of weeks," he said. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team suffered 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.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group victory would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League match.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, 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."