Arsenal is going through an excellent moment in the Premier League and in the Europa League, where they have managed to qualify for the round of 16. But it seems that the number of games is beginning to take its toll on players, and performance has dropped in recent weeks.

Injuries to players like Emily Smith-Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu have forced Arteta to make variations and place players in positions that are not his usual.

Arteta is aware that he needs more players, and the recent defeat against Brighton in the Carabo Cup has made it clear that it is necessary to reinforce the squad.

At a press conference, Arteta said, “That’s the squad that we have, and we have to use it in the best possible way, and today we came short, especially because we didn’t do what we had to do in both boxes to win a football match.

“We paid that price. It’s the same squad as when we win.

“I said from day one that we have a short squad because, at the end, we left some players. It’s what we have.

“If everyone’s available and no one is injured, we are OK, but the moment there is, we know what it is.

“It’s nothing new. I think I said it the first day after the transfer window.”

When asked if they were looking to sign players in January, Arteta mentioned, “That’s a window that is open. We’ll have to discuss the opportunities that we have, the capacity that we have for any changes, and be on the market for opportunities.

“Because we don’t know what’s going to happen in the last game before the World Cup.

“So it’s a lot of options that are open.”