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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for honors this season is being threatened by a concerning circle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Latest Squad News

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to Belgium due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward added to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

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

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to recover from surgery and "needs more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Plans

Despite a significant summer spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not planning to enter the winter recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of weeks," he said. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their first loss in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the top of the league to two points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League match.

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