Arteta Fears Fitness Woes Could Undermine The Gunners' Silverware Quest

Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling fixture list.

Latest Squad Update

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker added to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle injury.

"Training, no because we lack time to train. But clearly 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 circle."

Dowman's issue is the most recent in a extensive series of injuries for the North London side. 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 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 suggestion that practice intensity were to culprit, pointing to a shortage of time for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

Even after a significant off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team 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 a short time," he said. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their first defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group victory would all but secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth consecutive Champions League match.

"We are frustrated with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he said. "It's not like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."