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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Latest Team Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward registered to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot injury.

"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a long series of injuries for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from surgery and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice methods were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Strategy

Even after a major off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to enter the winter transfer 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. "We know how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team suffered their initial defeat in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

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

"We are disappointed with the result, but we have to move forward," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."