🔗 Share this article Arteta Warns Injury Woes Could Undermine The Gunners' Trophy Quest Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's chase for titles this campaign is being threatened by a concerning cycle of injuries and a relentless schedule. Fresh Squad News Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable. There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle problem. "Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really vicious circle." Dowman's issue 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 Absences Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until 2025. Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," according to the manager. Arteta rejected the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a lack of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons. Transfer Plans Despite a significant off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to dip into the January transfer market. "Right now we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of weeks," he commented. "It's clear how important those weeks are going to be." Next Challenge The team experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points. Attention now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group-stage win would all but secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League match. "The team is frustrated with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he said. "It's not like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."