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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Squad News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

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.

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing 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 extensive list of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 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 still recover from knee and "needs more time," according to the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to blame, pointing to a lack of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a major off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta stated 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 a short time," he said. "It's clear how important those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two points.

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

"We are disappointed with the result, but we have to move forward," Martinelli said. "This isn't like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."