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

Latest Squad News

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to Belgium due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a long list of injuries for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to blame, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Even after a major off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking to dip into the January recruitment 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 important those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

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

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

"The team is frustrated with the result, but we have to move forward," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."