🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's chase for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless schedule.

Latest Team News

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League trip to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker added to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot 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 knock-on effect to that and it's a truly vicious circle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a long list of injuries for the club. 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 unlikely to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from surgery and "needs more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity 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 summer spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is not planning to enter the January recruitment market.

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

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their first loss in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the top of the league to two clear points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group victory would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League fixture.

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