🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being threatened by a concerning circle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, forward 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 European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle problem.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly vicious cycle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long series of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absences

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

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice methods were to blame, pointing to a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a major off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not planning to dip into the winter transfer market.

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

Next Challenge

The team suffered their first defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Attention now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive Champions League fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the result, but we have to keep going," he said. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."