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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his team's chase for titles this season is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Latest Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous circle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," according to the boss.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a lack of time for drills. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Plans

Even after a significant summer investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not planning to dip into the winter transfer market.

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

Next Challenge

The team suffered their initial defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group victory would all but secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth successive European fixture.

"We are frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," he said. "This isn't like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."