🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's chase for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Latest Team Update

Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek clash to Belgium due to illness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward registered to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.

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

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive list of injuries for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most 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 knee and "requires more time," according to the boss.

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

Recruitment Plans

Even after a significant summer spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to dip into the winter transfer market.

"Right now we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a matter of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group victory would all but guarantee a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by scoring in a fifth consecutive 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 badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."