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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of injuries and a grueling fixture list.

Latest Squad Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to Belgium due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their Champions League 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 knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a long list 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.

Extended Absences

• 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 rejected the idea that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a lack of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Strategy

Even after a significant summer spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely planning to enter the January transfer market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team suffered their first defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually secure a top-eight finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth straight successive European match.

"The team is frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," he stated. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."