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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his team's pursuit for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt 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 placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence 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 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 unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training intensity were to blame, citing a lack of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a major off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely looking to enter the January recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of weeks," he said. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team experienced their initial loss in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would all but secure a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth successive Champions League fixture.

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