By MICHAEL PAVITT, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 16:16 EST, 9 December 2025 | Updated: 16:25 EST, 9 December 2025
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Gabriel Jesus has been added to Arsenal's Champions League squad, with the injured Max Dowman making way.
The Gunners have become the latest club to utilise a new rule, which has been introduced to the Champions League this season.
UEFA announced in September that teams would be permitted to make one change to their squads during the league phase, if one of their outfield players suffers a 'long-term injury or illness'.
The rule is in play until the sixth match-day, meaning this week was the final chance for clubs to make a change.
Arsenal have opted to bring Jesus into the squad, with the Brazilian forward having recovered quicker than expected from an ACL injury.
He will be eligible to face Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday after replacing Dowman, with the 15-year-old currently sidelined with an ankle injury.
Gabriel Jesus been added to Arsenal's Champions League squad for their three final league phase games
Jesus replaces 15-year-old Max Dowman, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury
'First of all with Max, unfortunately he picked up an injury last weekend and he had to come off,' Arteta said.
'So he did some scans and he is going to be out for weeks and then we have the situation of Gabi [Jesus], who we were expecting to be training with us by the end of December.
'Gabi has been pushing every single day and he kept telling everybody I am going to be earlier, earlier, earlier and he has done it.
'So thanks to his work and all the work that the medical staff have done in all these months, and we had the possibility to make a swap there and we have done it.
'Yes, one side you see Max and the situation and the other one you see the joy and how happy Gabi is to be back in the Champions League.'
Jesus has been sidelined with an ACL injury he sustained against Man United back in January. He returned to the Arsenal squad last month and stepped up his recovery in a behind closed doors match last week.
He could benefit from Arsenal topping the league phase with a perfect record to date after five matches, which could offer him a chance of game time.
Dowman has already made history in the Champions League this season, becoming the youngest player to feature in the competition when he came on against Slavia Prague last month.