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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Team News

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker 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 striker added to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem.

"Training, 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 knock-on effect to that and it's a truly dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a long list of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," according to the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to blame, citing a shortage of time for drills. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a significant off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is not looking to dip into the winter transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their initial defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two points.

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

"The team is disappointed with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "It's not like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."