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Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this season is being jeopardized by a worrying cycle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Team News

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the Champions League trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their European squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly vicious circle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive list of fitness problems for the club. 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 not expected to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of time for drills. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

Even after a significant summer investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to dip into the January recruitment market.

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

Next Challenge

The team experienced their initial defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage victory would all but secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth successive European fixture.

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