Mikel Arteta Warns Injury Woes Could Undermine The Gunners' Silverware Hunt

Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

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Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash to Belgium due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward added to their European squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem.

"Training, 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 consequence to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "needs more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of time for drills. He highlighted the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Transfer Plans

Even after a major off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the team is unlikely looking to enter the January transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

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

Attention now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage win would all but guarantee a top-eight finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive European fixture.

"The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."