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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's chase for honors this campaign is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their European squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long list of injuries for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," according to the manager.

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

Recruitment Strategy

Even after a significant off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to enter the January transfer market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and hopefully it will be a question of a short time," he commented. "We know how important those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their lead at the top of the league to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group win would all but secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive European match.

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