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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying cycle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

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Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle injury.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly vicious cycle."

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

Long-Term 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 "needs more time," according to the boss.

Arteta dismissed the idea that training intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of time for sessions. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Plans

Despite a significant off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is not looking to dip into the January recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a matter of weeks," he commented. "We know how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth successive Champions League fixture.

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