🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this season is being threatened by a concerning circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Squad Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their European squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle injury.

"Training, 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 consequence to that and it's a truly dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive list of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice methods were to blame, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a significant off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely looking to dip into the January transfer market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of weeks," he said. "It's clear how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their initial loss in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their lead at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Attention now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually guarantee a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive European fixture.

"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 remain united."