Arteta Fears Fitness Crisis Could Hinder The Gunners' Silverware Hunt
Mikel Arteta has voiced fears that his squad's pursuit for titles this season is being threatened by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.
Latest Squad Update
Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the midweek trip to Belgium due to sickness. In addition, attacker Leandro Trossard and center-back William Saliba remain on the sidelines.
There was, however, better news regarding Gabriel Jesus, with the South American forward added to their European squad. He comes in for the injured youngster Max Dowman, who suffered an foot problem.
"Training, no because we don't have time to train. But clearly the fact that you are missing players, you are placing demands on other players more, there's a knock-on effect to that and it's a really dangerous cycle."
Dowman's setback is the latest in a extensive series of injuries for the North London side. Since the beginning of last season, they have suffered 95 player absences, the second-highest total in the Premier League.
Extended Absences
- Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to be back until 2025.
- Midfielder Kai Havertz still recover from knee and "requires more time," according to the boss.
Arteta dismissed the idea that practice intensity were to blame, citing a shortage of time for drills. He highlighted the pressure on fit players, some of whom have featured over 150 matches in two years.
Recruitment Strategy
Despite a major off-season investment over £250 million, Arteta stated the club is not planning to dip into the winter transfer market.
"At the moment we're just focusing on getting the players back and hopefully it will be a question of weeks," he said. "We know how crucial those weeks are going to be."
Next Challenge
The team suffered their initial loss in 18 matches at the hands of Aston Villa, reducing their advantage at the summit of the Premier League to two points.
Focus now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth group win would all but guarantee a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make history by finding the net in a fifth consecutive Champions League match.
"We are disappointed with the outcome, but we have to move forward," he said. "It's not like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we stick together."
