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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this season is being threatened by a concerning cycle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Team Update

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt 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 really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a long series of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," according to the manager.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to blame, citing a lack of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

Even after a significant off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is not planning to dip into the winter transfer market.

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

Next Challenge

The squad experienced their initial loss in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their lead at the summit of the league to two points.

Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight successive European fixture.

"We are disappointed with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."