🔗 Share this article Arteta Warns Fitness Woes Could Hinder Arsenal's Trophy Quest Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for honors this season is being threatened by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless schedule. Latest Squad Update Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still unavailable. There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward added to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury. "Practice, 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 consequence to that and it's a really dangerous circle." Dowman's issue is the most recent in a long list of fitness problems for the club. Since the beginning of last season, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-most total in the Premier League. Extended Absentees Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until 2025. Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from knee and "requires more time," as stated by the manager. Arteta dismissed the idea that training methods were to blame, citing a lack of opportunity for sessions. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years. Recruitment Plans Despite a significant summer investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not looking to dip into the winter transfer market. "Right now we're just concentrating on getting the players back and hopefully 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 team suffered their first defeat in 18 games at the weekend, cutting their lead at the top of the league to two clear points. Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group win would virtually secure a top-eight finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League match. "The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," Martinelli stated. "It's not like all is going badly because we lost one game. So we stick together."