Arsenal have confirmed that 15-year-old Max Dowman has been replaced with Gabriel Jesus in the Champions League squad.
Max Dowman during an Arsenal training session.
Max Dowman during an Arsenal training session. (Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal youngster Max Dowman finds himself in limbo regarding his Champions League involvement following a squad alteration. The highly-rated 15-year-old had featured in two Premier League matches for Arsenal this season before August concluded.
Since then he has either remained on the bench or been omitted from matchday squads entirely. The teenager's latest first-team outing for the Gunners came during the 3-0 Champions League victory against Slavia Praha at the beginning of last month.
Now, an injury setback and a squad decision from Mikel Arteta means that will mark Dowman's final appearance in the tournament for at least 60 days. The winger sustained an injury whilst featuring for the club's U21s side last weekend.
Whilst the severity of the issue remains unclear, it's significant enough for Arsenal to alter their squad. In a statement, the club announced: " Gabriel Jesus has replaced Max Dowman on our UEFA A list with immediate effect.
"Therefore, Gabby is eligible to play in our match against Club Brugge in Belgium on Wednesday night.
"Max, who picked up an ankle injury playing for our under-21s on Saturday, will be added to our UEFA B list in January, but will not be permitted to play in any UEFA competitions for 60 days from today (February 6)."
Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Chelsea and Arsenal.
Whilst the injury may not sideline him for the full 60 days, the decision to remove him from the squad means he faces a wait of nearly three months before becoming eligible to feature in the competition again.
Jesus' inclusion follows the striker's comeback from an ACL injury last season, making his first team squad appearances against Chelsea and Brentford.
Arteta's decision to replace Dowman with Jesus demonstrates his willingness to make tough calls, regardless of a player's age. The injury has provided Arsenal with an opportunity to introduce an experienced striker into the squad for the final group stage matches.
As for Dowman, he'll be aiming to bounce back from his injury swiftly and once again attract Arteta's attention with his performances for the Development team while he awaits his opportunity.
Arsenal currently sit at the top of the Champions League table ahead of the match against Club Brugge. They have so far won all five of their group stage matches in the competition
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