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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this season is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Squad Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.

"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 setback is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the club. Since the start of last season, 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 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a lack of time for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a major summer investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not looking to enter the winter transfer market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a question of a short time," he commented. "We know how important those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their initial loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their advantage at the summit of the league to two points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage win would virtually guarantee a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight successive Champions League fixture.

"The team is frustrated with the result, 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."