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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this season is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Latest Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their European 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 consequence to that and it's a really vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long series of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Extended Absentees

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

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training methods were to culprit, pointing to a lack of time for drills. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a major off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not looking to dip into the winter transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would all but secure a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth consecutive European match.

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