Arteta Warns Fitness Crisis Could Undermine Arsenal's Silverware Hunt
Mikel Arteta has expressed concern that his squad's pursuit for titles this campaign is being threatened by a worrying cycle of fitness setbacks and a grueling schedule.
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Key midfielder Declan Rice missed the Champions League clash 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 registered to their Champions League squad. He replaces the injured youngster Max Dowman, who picked up an foot injury.
"Practice, no because we lack 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 really vicious cycle."
Dowman's issue is the latest in a extensive series of fitness problems for the North London side. Since the start of last campaign, they have recorded 95 injuries, the second-highest total in the English top flight.
Long-Term Absentees
- Defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Magalhães are not expected to return until the new year.
- Midfielder Kai Havertz continues to recover from knee and "requires more time," according to the manager.
Arteta rejected the suggestion that training intensity were to culprit, citing a shortage of opportunity for drills. He highlighted the strain on fit players, some of whom have played over 150 matches in two seasons.
Transfer Plans
Even after a significant summer investment over £250 million, Arteta insisted the team is unlikely planning to enter the January recruitment market.
"Right now we're just focusing on bringing the players back and with luck it will be a question of weeks," he said. "We know how important those weeks are going to be."
Looking Ahead
The team suffered their first defeat in 18 matches at the weekend, cutting their lead at the top of the Premier League to two clear points.
Attention now shifts to the European stage, where a sixth consecutive group victory would virtually secure a knockout phase finish. Winger Gabriel Martinelli could make a club record by finding the net in a fifth successive European fixture.
"We are frustrated with the result, but we have to keep going," Martinelli stated. "This isn't like all is going wrong because we lost one game. So we remain united."
