14-year-old teenage sensation Max Dowman has been spotted in Arsenal training ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. Dowman, who doesn't celebrate his 15th birthday until New Year's Eve, received special praise from Jack Wilshere back in March and has now been fast-tracked to train with the first-team squad after impressing for the Under 18s and Under 21s.
He was pictured training alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jorginho and Raheem Sterling. Dowman joined fellow academy graduates Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly in being put through their paces ahead of the quarter-final clash in north London. The highly-rated attacking midfielder was also seen having a brief conversation with manager Mikel Arteta at London Colney.
Dowman's inclusion in training has sparked belief that he could be included in the matchday squad to take on Palace in the Carabao Cup. If Dowman does end up playing, he would become their youngest ever player, eclipsing teammate Nwaneri following his historic debut two years ago. Nwaneri came off the bench against Brentford in September 2022 aged just 15 years, five months and 28 days.
Raheem Sterling and Max Dowman in Arsenal training
Raheem Sterling and Max Dowman in Arsenal training (Image: Getty Images)
Jack Porter, who started the 5-1 win over Bolton in the Carabao Cup in September, is their second youngest player at 16 years, two months and 10 days. Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas, who made his Arsenal debut against Rotherham in the League Cup in October 2003, was aged 16 years, five months and 24 days. Wilshere and Jermaine Pennant make up the top-five of youngster players to ever feature for the Gunners.
Dowman also created history by becoming the youngest player to ever play for Arsenal Under 21s earlier this month. Aged 14 years and 336 days, Dowman came off the bench in the 1-1 draw in a Premier League 2 clash with Brighton. In September, Dowman became the youngest player to score in a UEFA Youth League game, after finding the net against Atalanta. Despite his form, Arsenal can't sign him on scholarship terms for another 16 months.
Speaking on Dowman earlier this year, former Arsenal U18s head coach Wilshere said: "There's always a concern when fielding such a young player in these matches, but if you're good enough, you're old enough. He can be more consistent, but he's only 14 and hasn't even started his GCSEs yet. We need to find a balance of letting him play and enjoy the game because of his age but also trying to get as much work into him as we can. Hopefully, we can fast-track him and when he goes over to the first team he'll be more ready."