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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for titles this season is being jeopardized by a concerning cycle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Team Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward registered to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle problem.

"Practice, no because we don't have 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 cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, 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 be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from surgery and "requires more time," according to the manager.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice methods were to blame, citing a lack of time for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a major summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to enter the winter recruitment market.

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

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their initial defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually secure a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth straight successive European fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli said. "It's not like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."