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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his team's chase for titles this season is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling fixture list.

Fresh Squad News

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle problem.

"Practice, 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 really dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a long list of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," according to the boss.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice methods were to blame, citing a lack of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Despite a significant summer spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely looking to enter the winter recruitment market.

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

Next Challenge

The team experienced their initial defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the summit of the league to two points.

Focus now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually guarantee a top-eight finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth consecutive European match.

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