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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for titles this campaign is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Team News

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

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

"Practice, no because we don't have 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 really dangerous circle."

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

Extended Absences

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

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that training methods were to blame, citing a lack of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Transfer Plans

Despite a major off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not planning to dip into the January transfer market.

"Right now we're just focusing on bringing the players back and hopefully it will be a question of weeks," he commented. "It's clear how crucial those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their initial defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group victory would virtually guarantee a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth successive Champions League fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the result, 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."