🔗 Share this article Arteta Warns Fitness Crisis Could Hinder Arsenal's Silverware Hunt Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for honors this campaign is being jeopardized by a concerning circle of injuries and a grueling schedule. Fresh Team News Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the Champions League clash to Belgium due to illness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba are still on the sidelines. There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an ankle problem. "Training, no because we lack time to train. But clearly the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a truly dangerous cycle." Dowman's setback is the most recent in a extensive list of fitness problems for the club. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 player absences, the second-most total in the English top flight. Long-Term Absentees Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are unlikely to be back until 2025. Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from knee and "needs more time," according to the boss. Arteta rejected the suggestion that training methods were to blame, pointing to a shortage of time for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two years. Recruitment Plans Even after a significant off-season investment exceeding £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to enter the January recruitment market. "At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a matter of a short time," he commented. "It's clear how important those weeks are going to be." Next Challenge The squad experienced their first defeat in 18 games at the weekend, reducing their advantage at the summit of the league to two clear points. Attention now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group win would virtually secure a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by scoring in a fifth consecutive Champions League fixture. "We are frustrated with the result, but we have to move forward," he said. "This isn't like everything is going badly because we lost one game. So we remain united."