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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's chase for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Latest Team Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem.

"Training, no because we lack 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 really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a extensive series of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," according to the boss.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training methods were to blame, citing a lack of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a major off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not planning to enter the January transfer market.

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

Next Challenge

The team experienced their initial defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, 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-stage victory would all but guarantee a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive European fixture.

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