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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's chase for titles this season is being threatened by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless fixture list.

Latest Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly vicious cycle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a long list of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absentees

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

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice methods were to blame, pointing to a lack of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Plans

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

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

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their initial defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the summit of the league to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group victory would virtually secure a top-eight finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight successive Champions League match.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."