🔗 Share this article

Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for honors this season is being threatened by a worrying cycle of injuries and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Squad Update

Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.

"Practice, no because we lack 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 really vicious cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absences

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the manager.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to blame, citing a lack of time for sessions. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a major summer investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely planning to dip into the January transfer market.

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

Looking Ahead

The squad suffered their first loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the summit of the league to two clear points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group-stage victory would all but guarantee a top-eight finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League fixture.

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