🔗 Share this article Mikel Arteta Fears Injury Crisis Could Undermine Arsenal's Silverware Quest Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for honors this season is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of injuries and a relentless schedule. Latest Squad Update Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still unavailable. There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their European squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle problem. "Training, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are without players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really vicious circle." Dowman's setback is the latest in a long series of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the English top flight. Long-Term Absences Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025. Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the boss. Arteta dismissed the idea that training intensity were to culprit, pointing to a lack of opportunity for sessions. He highlighted the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 games in two seasons. Recruitment Strategy Even after a significant off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely planning to enter the January transfer market. "At the moment we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a matter of a short time," he said. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be." Looking Ahead The squad suffered their first loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points. Attention now turns to the Champions League, where a sixth group victory would all but secure a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth consecutive Champions League match. "The team is disappointed with the result, but we have to move forward," he stated. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."