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

Fresh Squad Update

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

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot injury.

"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 dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive list of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," according to the manager.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice methods were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Transfer Plans

Even after a major off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to enter the winter transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad suffered their initial defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Attention now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group victory would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive European fixture.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."