🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being threatened by a concerning circle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Squad News

Star player Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker 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 added to their European squad. He replaces the hurt 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 loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

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

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of time for drills. He highlighted the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a major summer investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely planning to enter the January recruitment market.

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

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the weekend, cutting their lead at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would virtually guarantee a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth successive Champions League fixture.

"We are frustrated with the outcome, but we have to move forward," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."