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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's chase for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying cycle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Latest Squad Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the Champions League trip to face Club Brugge due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot injury.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really vicious cycle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive series of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

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

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

Recruitment Plans

Despite a significant off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking to enter the January recruitment market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a matter of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how important those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their initial defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the top of the league to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage win would virtually guarantee a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive Champions League match.

"We are frustrated with the result, 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."