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Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his team's chase for honors this campaign is being threatened by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Team Update

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

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

"Practice, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to recover from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta dismissed the idea that training intensity were to culprit, citing a shortage of time for sessions. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a significant summer spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not looking to enter the winter recruitment market.

"Right now we're just focusing on getting the players back and with luck it will be a matter of weeks," he commented. "It's clear how important those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually guarantee a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive European fixture.

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