🔗 Share this article Mikel Arteta Warns Fitness Woes Could Hinder Arsenal's Silverware Quest Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for honors this campaign is being threatened by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule. Latest Team News Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League trip to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines. There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem. "Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous cycle." Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive list of injuries for the club. Since the start of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League. Extended Absentees Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected 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 practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of time for sessions. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two seasons. Recruitment Plans Even after a major summer spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not looking to dip into the winter transfer market. "At the moment we're just concentrating on getting the players back and with luck it will be a question of weeks," he said. "We know how crucial those weeks are going to be." Next Challenge The squad suffered their first loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the top of the Premier League to two clear points. Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group win would all but secure a knockout phase place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth successive Champions League fixture. "The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."