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

Fresh Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured 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 without players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive list of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from surgery and "needs more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a significant summer investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to dip into the January recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on getting the players back and with luck it will be a matter of weeks," he commented. "We know how crucial those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team suffered their first loss in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the top of the league to two points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would virtually guarantee a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth consecutive Champions League fixture.

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