🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this campaign is being threatened by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling fixture list.

Fresh Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, better 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.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously 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 setback is the latest in a extensive list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to recover from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that training intensity were to blame, citing a lack of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a major off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking to enter the winter transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the weekend, reducing 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 secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth consecutive Champions League fixture.

"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he stated. "It's not like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."