Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his team's chase for titles this campaign is being jeopardized by a worrying circle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.
Fresh Team News
Star player Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, forward Leandro Trossard and defender William Saliba remain on the sidelines.
There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker added to their Champions League squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.
"Practice, no because we don't have time to train. But obviously the fact that you are without players, you are loading other players more, there's a consequence to that and it's a really dangerous circle."
Dowman's issue is the most recent in a extensive series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 player absences, 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 2025.
- Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from knee and "requires more time," according to the boss.
Arteta rejected the idea that practice methods were to culprit, pointing to a shortage of time for drills. He highlighted the pressure on available players, some of whom have played over 150 games in two seasons.
Transfer Plans
Despite a major off-season spend over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely looking to dip into the winter transfer market.
"At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a matter of weeks," he commented. "It's clear how crucial those weeks are going to be."
Next Challenge
The team experienced their first loss in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their lead at the top of the league to two clear points.
Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth group win would all but guarantee a top-eight place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could create a club record by finding the net in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League fixture.
"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to keep going," he stated. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."
