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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his team's pursuit for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Squad Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the Champions League 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, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot injury.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long list of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," according to the manager.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training intensity were to culprit, citing a lack of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a major off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not looking to dip into the winter recruitment market.

"At the moment 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 crucial those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the summit of the league to two points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group victory would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth consecutive European match.

"The team is frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "It's not like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."