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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's chase for honors this season is being threatened by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Latest Team Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable.

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

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But clearly 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 circle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a long series of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a significant off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to enter the winter transfer market.

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

Next Challenge

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

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would all but secure a top-eight finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League fixture.

"We are frustrated with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli said. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."