Mikel Arteta Warns Fitness Crisis Could Undermine The Gunners' Trophy Quest

Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for honors this season is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Fresh Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League trip to Belgium due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.

"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 knock-on effect to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive series of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League.

Extended Absences

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

Arteta rejected the idea that training intensity were to blame, citing a lack of time for sessions. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a significant summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not looking to enter the winter transfer market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a question of weeks," he commented. "We know how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad suffered their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, reducing their lead at the top of the league to two clear points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group win would all but secure a top-eight finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League match.

"The team is frustrated with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he said. "It's not like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."