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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this season is being threatened by a concerning circle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Team Update

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

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.

"Practice, no because we don't have 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 club. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training methods were to culprit, citing a lack of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a significant off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely looking to dip into the January recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of a short time," he commented. "We know how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually guarantee a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth straight successive Champions League match.

"The team is frustrated 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."