🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Squad Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward registered to their European squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But clearly 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 dangerous circle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long list of injuries for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

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

Arteta rejected the idea that training intensity were to culprit, citing a lack of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Transfer Plans

Even after a major off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely looking to enter the January transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The team suffered their initial defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the summit of the league to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group win would virtually guarantee a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight successive European fixture.

"We are frustrated with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he stated. "It's not like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."