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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for honors this season is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Team Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their European squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle injury.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the North London side. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absentees

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

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training methods were to culprit, pointing to a lack of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Plans

Despite a major off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is not looking to dip into the January transfer market.

"Right now we're just focusing on bringing the players back and hopefully 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 lead at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually guarantee a top-eight finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth straight successive Champions League fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the result, but we have to keep going," he said. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."