🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for honors this campaign is being threatened by a concerning cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Latest Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still 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 injury.

"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long series of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

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

Arteta rejected the idea that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of time for drills. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two seasons.

Transfer Plans

Even after a major off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to dip into the January recruitment market.

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

Next Challenge

The team experienced their initial defeat in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group victory would all but guarantee a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive European match.

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