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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Squad Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the Champions League trip to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward added to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle problem.

"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously 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 really dangerous cycle."

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

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," according to the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a lack of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a significant off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to enter the winter recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of weeks," he commented. "We know how important those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad suffered their initial defeat in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their lead at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would virtually secure a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth successive Champions League match.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "It's not like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."