🔗 Share this article Arteta Warns Injury Crisis Could Hinder The Gunners' Trophy Hunt Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule. Fresh Squad Update Star player Declan Rice missed the Champions League trip to Belgium due to sickness. Meanwhile, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba are still on the sidelines. There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker added to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot problem. "Training, no because we lack time to train. But obviously 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 setback is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, 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 not expected to be back until the new year. Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to rehabilitate from surgery and "requires more time," as stated by the boss. Arteta rejected the idea that practice intensity were to culprit, citing a shortage of time for drills. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two years. Transfer Strategy Despite a major off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not planning to enter the January transfer market. "Right now we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of a short time," he commented. "We know how important those weeks are going to be." Looking Ahead The team experienced their initial loss in 18 games at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their lead at the summit of the league to two clear points. Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group win would virtually guarantee a top-eight place. Forward Gabriel Martinelli could make 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," he stated. "This isn't like everything is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."