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

Latest Squad Update

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their European squad. He comes in for 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 missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until the new year.
• 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 culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a significant off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to dip into the January transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their first loss in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their lead at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.

Attention now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group victory would all but guarantee a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive European match.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he said. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."