🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's chase for titles this season is being threatened by a concerning circle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Team News

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

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly dangerous circle."

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

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from surgery and "needs more time," according to the manager.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to blame, pointing to a shortage of time for drills. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two seasons.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a major summer investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to dip into the winter transfer market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of a short time," he said. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their initial defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their advantage at the top of the league to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth straight successive European fixture.

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