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Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's pursuit for honors this season is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of fitness setbacks and a relentless fixture list.

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Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain unavailable.

There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their European squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle problem.

"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly 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 most recent in a long list of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have suffered 95 injuries, the second-most 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 still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," according to the boss.

Arteta rejected the suggestion that practice intensity were to blame, pointing to a shortage of time for drills. He emphasized the pressure on available players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons.

Transfer Plans

Even after a major off-season spend exceeding £250 million, Arteta stated the team is not looking to enter the winter transfer market.

"At the moment we're just concentrating on bringing the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of weeks," he said. "It's clear how important those coming weeks are going to be."

Looking Ahead

The team experienced their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their lead at the summit of the Premier League to two clear points.

Attention now shifts to the Champions League, where a sixth group-stage victory would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth straight successive European match.

"We are frustrated with the result, but we have to move forward," he said. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."