🔗 Share this article

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

Fresh Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to Belgium 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 forward registered to their European squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.

"Practice, 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 knock-on effect to that and it's a truly vicious cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive list of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from surgery and "needs more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training intensity were to culprit, pointing to a shortage of time for drills. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a major off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to enter the January transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad suffered their initial loss in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the top of the league to two points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth straight successive Champions League fixture.

"We are frustrated with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he stated. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."