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Arsenal's manager has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling fixture list.

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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 on the sidelines.

There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward added to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle injury.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a long series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last season, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.

Long-Term Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," according to the manager.

Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years.

Transfer Plans

Even after a major summer spend over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to dip into the January recruitment market.

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

Looking Ahead

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

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group win would virtually guarantee a top-eight finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight successive European match.

"We are frustrated with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he said. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."