🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's chase for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Latest Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem.

"Training, no because we lack 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 truly vicious circle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive list of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," according to the manager.

Arteta rejected the idea that training methods were to blame, pointing to a lack of time for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Transfer Strategy

Even after a significant summer spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is not planning to enter the January transfer market.

"Right now we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a question of weeks," he said. "We know how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team suffered their first defeat in 18 matches 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 top-eight finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth straight successive Champions League fixture.

"The team is frustrated with the result, but we have to move forward," he said. "This isn't like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."