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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for honors this season is being threatened by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule.

Fresh Team News

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to Belgium due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.

"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 really vicious cycle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the club. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

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

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice methods were to culprit, citing a shortage of time for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Strategy

Despite a major summer spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely planning to dip into the winter transfer market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of weeks," he said. "We know how important those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

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

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually secure a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive Champions League fixture.

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