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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his team's chase for titles this season is being threatened by a concerning circle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Squad News

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a long series of injuries for the club. Since the start of last season, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice intensity were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Strategy

Even after a major off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking to enter the January transfer market.

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

Next Challenge

The team experienced their first loss in 18 games at the weekend, cutting their lead at the summit of the league to two clear points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group win would all but guarantee a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth successive European fixture.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he said. "It's not like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."