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

Fresh Squad News

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker added to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot injury.

"Training, no because we don't have 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 extensive list of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absences

• 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," according to the manager.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, citing a lack of time for drills. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a significant off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely looking to dip into the winter recruitment market.

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

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their first defeat in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their advantage 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 secure a top-eight finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive Champions League fixture.

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