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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's chase for honors this season is being threatened by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless fixture list.

Latest Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League trip to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added 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 without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most 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 surgery and "needs more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of time for drills. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

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

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

Next Challenge

The squad experienced their first loss in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the top of the league to two points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group victory would all but guarantee a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth consecutive Champions League match.

"The team is frustrated with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he said. "It's not like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."