🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for honors this campaign is being threatened by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Team Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle problem.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," according to the boss.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a lack of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

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

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

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their initial loss in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group win would all but secure a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive European fixture.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he stated. "This isn't like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."