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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's chase for honors this season is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Latest Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle problem.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But clearly 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 cycle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a extensive series of injuries for the North London side. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

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

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

Recruitment Plans

Even after a significant off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is not looking 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 matter of weeks," he said. "It's clear how important those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad suffered their first loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group win would all but guarantee a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli said. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."