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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's chase for honors this campaign is being threatened by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling fixture list.

Fresh Team News

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to Belgium due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward registered to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really dangerous cycle."

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

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice intensity were to blame, citing a lack of time for sessions. He emphasized the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a major summer spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to enter the winter transfer market.

"Right now we're just focusing on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of weeks," he commented. "It's clear how crucial those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The team experienced their first loss in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the summit of the league to two points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would virtually secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth consecutive European fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he stated. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."