Mikel Arteta Warns Fitness Crisis Could Undermine Arsenal's Trophy Hunt

Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being threatened by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.

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Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League trip to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still on the sidelines.

There was, on a brighter note, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American striker registered to their European squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle problem.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly 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 circle."

Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive list of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the Premier League.

Extended Absentees

• Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until 2025.
• Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the boss.

Arteta dismissed the suggestion that practice intensity were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the strain on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two years.

Transfer Strategy

Even after a significant off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not planning to enter the January transfer market.

"Right now we're just focusing on bringing the players back and hopefully it will be a question of weeks," he said. "We know how crucial those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The squad suffered their initial loss in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their lead at the top of the Premier League to two points.

Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group-stage win would all but guarantee a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth successive Champions League fixture.

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