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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's chase for honors this season is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive list of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that practice methods were to blame, citing a lack of time for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a significant summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking 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 a short time," he commented. "We know how crucial those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their initial defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would virtually guarantee a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight successive Champions League match.

"The team is disappointed with the result, but we have to keep going," he stated. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."