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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a relentless fixture list.

Latest Team News

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot injury.

"Training, no because we don't have 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 vicious cycle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a long series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most 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 rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training methods were to blame, pointing to a lack of time for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Even after a major summer spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to enter 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 said. "We know how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team suffered their initial loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

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

"The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," Martinelli said. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."