🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his team's pursuit for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Latest Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League trip to face Club Brugge due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

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

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absences

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

Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a major off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is not looking to dip into the winter recruitment market.

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

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their initial loss in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group victory would all but secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive European fixture.

"The team is frustrated with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he stated. "This isn't like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."