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

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Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem.

"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly dangerous circle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a extensive series of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absences

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

Arteta rejected the idea that practice intensity were to culprit, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a major summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely looking to dip into the January transfer market.

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

Next Challenge

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

Attention now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would all but guarantee a top-eight finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth successive Champions League fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the result, but we have to move forward," he said. "It's not like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."