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

Latest Squad Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their European squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But clearly 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 circle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a long series of injuries 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 Absentees

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

Arteta dismissed the idea that training intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of time for sessions. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a major off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is not planning to enter the winter recruitment market.

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

Next Challenge

The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their advantage at the top of the league to two clear points.

Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth successive European match.

"We are frustrated 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."