🔗 Share this article

Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for titles this season is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

Latest Team News

Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to Belgium due to illness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

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

"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly vicious circle."

Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive list of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the beginning of last campaign, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," according to the boss.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice intensity were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.

Recruitment Plans

Even after a significant off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not looking to enter the winter recruitment 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. "It's clear how crucial those coming weeks are going to be."

Next Challenge

The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the summit of the league to two points.

Focus now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage win would all but secure a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth successive European match.

"We are frustrated with the result, but we have to move forward," Martinelli stated. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."