Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's chase for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying circle of injuries and a grueling fixture list.
Latest Squad News
Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to face Club Brugge due to illness. Meanwhile, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still on the sidelines.
There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian forward registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.
"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a truly vicious circle."
Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive list of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most total in the English top flight.
Extended Absentees
- Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025.
- Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from knee and "needs more time," as stated by the manager.
Arteta rejected the idea that training methods were to blame, citing a lack of opportunity for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.
Recruitment Plans
Despite a significant summer spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is not looking to dip into the January recruitment market.
"Right now we're just focusing on getting the players back and with luck it will be a matter of weeks," he said. "We know how important those coming weeks are going to be."
Looking Ahead
The team suffered their first defeat in 18 games at the weekend, cutting their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two points.
Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth consecutive group win would all but secure a knockout phase finish. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could create history by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League fixture.
"We are frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."
