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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's chase for honors this season is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Latest Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive list of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Extended Absentees

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training methods were to culprit, citing a lack of time for sessions. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Plans

Despite a significant off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely looking to dip into 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 said. "We know how crucial those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group victory would all but secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive European fixture.

"We are frustrated with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he stated. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."