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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this season is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling fixture list.

Fresh Squad Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly vicious cycle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive list of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

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," as stated by the boss.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice intensity were to culprit, citing a shortage of time for drills. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Plans

Even after a significant off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking to enter the January recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a question of weeks," he said. "It's clear how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the weekend, cutting their lead at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by finding the net in a fifth successive Champions League match.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."