🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for honors this season is being jeopardized by a concerning cycle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Team News

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

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward registered 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 clearly the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly vicious circle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive list of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to recover from knee and "requires more time," according to the manager.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that practice methods were to blame, citing a shortage of time for sessions. He emphasized the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.

Recruitment Strategy

Despite a significant summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely looking to enter the winter recruitment market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their initial loss in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League fixture.

"The team is frustrated with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he stated. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."