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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's chase for honors this season is being threatened by a concerning cycle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Team News

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt 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 truly dangerous circle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a extensive list of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, 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 rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," according to the manager.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to culprit, pointing to a lack of time for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Plans

Despite a significant summer spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to dip into the January recruitment market.

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

Next Challenge

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

Attention now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group win would all but guarantee a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth successive European match.

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