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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this campaign is being threatened by a concerning circle of injuries and a grueling 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 center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot 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 issue is the latest in a long list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

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

Arteta rejected the idea that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a significant off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely looking to enter the winter recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their initial defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth consecutive European match.

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