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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Team News

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable.

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

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really vicious circle."

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

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training intensity were to blame, pointing to a lack of time for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Transfer Plans

Even after a significant off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to enter the winter transfer market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a question of a short time," he commented. "We know how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their first loss in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their lead at the top of the league to two points.

Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would all but secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth straight successive Champions League match.

"The team is frustrated with the result, but we have to move forward," he said. "It's not like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."