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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Latest Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward registered to their European squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle problem.

"Training, 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 knock-on effect to that and it's a truly vicious cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive list of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that practice methods were to blame, citing a shortage of time for drills. He emphasized the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a major summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely looking to enter the January recruitment market.

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

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the top of the league to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually secure a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League match.

"The team is frustrated with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he stated. "This isn't like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."