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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's chase for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Latest Team Update

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a long list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from knee and "needs more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training methods were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two seasons.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a significant summer spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to enter the January recruitment market.

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

Looking Ahead

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

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually guarantee a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth successive European match.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," Martinelli stated. "It's not like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."