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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for honors this season is being jeopardized by a concerning cycle of injuries and a grueling fixture list.

Fresh Squad Update

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

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their European squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle injury.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly dangerous circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training methods were to blame, pointing to a lack of time for sessions. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a significant summer investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking to dip into the winter transfer market.

"Right now we're just focusing on bringing the players back and hopefully 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 weekend, cutting their lead at the top of the league to two points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group win would all but secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League fixture.

"We are disappointed 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 remain united."