Mikel Arteta Warns Injury Woes Could Undermine The Gunners' Trophy Quest

Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning cycle of fitness setbacks and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Team Update

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle 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 dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from surgery and "needs more time," according to the boss.

Arteta dismissed the idea that training methods were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a significant off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely looking to enter the winter transfer market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of weeks," he said. "We know how crucial those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team suffered their initial defeat in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their lead at the top of the league to two points.

Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage victory would all but secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive European match.

"The team is disappointed with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."