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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's chase for honors this season is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Latest Squad News

Star player Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

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

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive list of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice methods were to culprit, pointing to a lack of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a major summer investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to dip into the winter recruitment market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of weeks," he said. "We know how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad suffered their initial defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the top of the league to two points.

Attention now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League match.

"The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli said. "It's not like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."