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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for honors this season is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash to Belgium due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward 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 cycle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive list of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training methods were to culprit, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a major summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is not planning to enter the January recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just focusing 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."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their initial loss in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Attention now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group win would virtually guarantee a top-eight finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth successive European match.

"We are frustrated with the result, 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."