🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Squad Update

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to Belgium due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle problem.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly 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 truly vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training intensity were to blame, citing a lack of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Plans

Despite a major summer investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely looking to dip into the winter recruitment market.

"Right now we're just focusing on bringing the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of a short time," he said. "It's clear how important those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their lead at the summit of the league to two points.

Attention now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually guarantee a top-eight finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth straight successive European fixture.

"We are frustrated with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he stated. "It's not like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."