🔗 Share this article Mikel Arteta Warns Injury Crisis Could Hinder The Gunners' Silverware Hunt Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for honors this campaign is being threatened by a concerning cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule. Fresh Squad Update Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines. There was, on a brighter note, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward added to their European squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle problem. "Training, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really vicious cycle." Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive list of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the Premier League. Long-Term Absences Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to return until the new year. Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the manager. Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to culprit, citing a lack of time for drills. He emphasized the strain on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years. Recruitment Plans Even after a major summer investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is unlikely planning to enter the winter recruitment market. "Right now we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a matter of weeks," he commented. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be." Looking Ahead The team experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the summit of the league to two points. Attention now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group win would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League match. "The team is disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he stated. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."