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

Latest Team Update

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

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

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive series of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last season, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absentees

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

Arteta rejected the idea that practice intensity were to culprit, pointing to a lack of time for sessions. He highlighted the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Strategy

Even after a significant off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely looking to enter the winter transfer market.

"Right now we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of a short time," he commented. "We know how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad experienced their initial defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage victory would all but secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth consecutive Champions League match.

"We are frustrated with the outcome, but we have to move forward," Martinelli said. "This isn't like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."