🔗 Share this article

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

Fresh Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker added to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot injury.

"Training, 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 vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long list of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absentees

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

Arteta rejected the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Transfer Plans

Even after a significant summer investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to dip into the winter transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

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

"We are disappointed with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli said. "It's not like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."