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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his team's chase for honors this season is being jeopardized by a concerning cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling fixture list.

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Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle injury.

"Practice, no because we don't have 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 truly vicious cycle."

Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive list of injuries for the North London side. 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 unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," according to the boss.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that training intensity were to blame, citing a lack of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted 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 stated the club is not planning to enter the January recruitment market.

"At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a question of a short time," he said. "We know how important those weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group win would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League fixture.

"We are disappointed with the result, but we have to move forward," he stated. "This isn't like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."