🔗 Share this article Arteta Fears Fitness Crisis Could Hinder Arsenal's Silverware Hunt Arsenal's manager has expressed concern that his team's chase for honors this campaign is being threatened by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule. Latest Team News Star player Declan Rice did not travel for the midweek trip to face Club Brugge due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines. There was, however, positive news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian striker registered to their European squad. He comes in for the hurt youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an ankle problem. "Training, 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 knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous circle." Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League. Extended Absentees Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until 2025. Midfielder Kai Havertz still rehabilitate from surgery and "needs more time," according to the manager. Arteta rejected the suggestion that practice methods were to culprit, pointing to a shortage of time for drills. He emphasized the strain on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two seasons. Recruitment Strategy Despite a significant off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the club is unlikely planning to dip into the winter recruitment market. "At the moment we're just focusing on bringing the players back and hopefully it will be a matter of a short time," he commented. "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 hands of Aston Villa, cutting their lead at the top of the league to two clear points. Focus now turns to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group win would all but guarantee a knockout phase place. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by scoring in a fifth straight consecutive Champions League match. "The team is frustrated with the outcome, but we have to keep going," Martinelli said. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."