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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his team's pursuit for honors this campaign is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless fixture list.

Fresh Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the Champions League trip to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, however, positive 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 ankle problem.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really vicious circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," according to the boss.

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

Recruitment Plans

Even after a major off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to enter the winter transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their lead at the summit of the league to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage win would all but secure a top-eight finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive European match.

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