🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for honors this season is being threatened by a concerning circle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Squad Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back 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 replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot injury.

"Training, no because we don't have 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 truly vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from surgery and "requires more time," according to the manager.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to blame, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Transfer Strategy

Even after a major summer investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely planning to enter the January transfer market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a matter of weeks," he said. "It's clear how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team suffered their first defeat in 18 games 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 European stage, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would virtually guarantee a top-eight finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight successive Champions League fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli said. "It's not like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."