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

Fresh Team News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to Belgium due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

"Practice, no because we don't have 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 really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a long list of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," according to the boss.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of time for sessions. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Plans

Despite a major summer spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not planning to enter the January recruitment market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their initial loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their advantage at the top of the league to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth successive Champions League match.

"The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he said. "This isn't like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."