Arteta fears Arsenal trophy hunt could be hindered by ‘dangerous circle’ of injuries

Gabriel Martinelli, could become the first Arsenal player to score in five successive Champions League matches when teh Gunners face Club Brugge on Wednesday

TESTING TIMES: Mikel Arteta must cope without Declan Rice in Belgium as Arsenal’s absentees mount up. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA

Mikel Arteta fears that Arsenal’s quest for silverware this season could be undermined by a “dangerous circle” of mounting injuries and an unforgiving fixture list that he believes are placing huge demands on his squad.

Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice has not travelled to Belgium for Arsenal’s Champions League meeting with Club Brugge on Wednesday due to illness, while Leandro Trossard and William Saliba are again unavailable. There was better news for Gabriel Jesus after the Brazil forward was added to Arsenal’s Champions League squad in place of Max Dowman, who injured his ankle at the weekend.