The news came about the young star of Arsenal, Max Dowman who has to endure a heart-wrenching injury. He has been injured in a behind-closed-doors friendly with the U21s of Manchester United last week. Moreover, his ankle ligaments suffered damage. This injury news makes the Arsenal youth be out of action for a couple of months.
The Tackle That Changed Everything
Max Dowman, playing as a forward in the internal match, was stretchered off following a robust challenge from a United academy player. Scans revealed ligament damage, ruling him out until at least mid-February 2026. Arteta, speaking ahead of the trip to Club Brugge in the Champions League, described the situation as a “really dangerous circle,” with Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard also nursing knocks. For Dowman, withdrawn from England’s U17 squad as a precaution, it’s a test of resilience at an age when breakthroughs are fragile.
🚨⚠️ Max Dowman suffers injury and will be out for ‘weeks’, says Arteta.
“It’s part of the journey. At some point when you play in this level and in the position that he plays and the manner he plays, it was going to happen. It could have been worse”. pic.twitter.com/BDUcFsyjaR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 9, 2025
From Non-League to the Emirates Stardom
Dowman has become Hale End’s poster boy. At just 15, he’s already netted hat-tricks for the U18s and earned senior training invites from Mikel Arteta. Comparisons to Phil Foden abound for his dribbling flair and goal instinct—traits that saw him debut for England’s U16s last year. This injury, though, halts his momentum just as first-team cameos loomed.
Arsenal’s Broader Injury Headache
The medical room of the Gunners is overstretching. The lack of Dowman adds to the miseries of a team that is in search of a trophy. Arteta advised against it, and was keen on depth of the squad. Yet the message, delivered halfway through a hectic pile-up during the season, is bitter.
🚨 Max Dowman (15) is expected to be out for around two months after sustaining ankle ligament damage, following a challenge by an opponent during a friendly against Manchester United on Saturday. He is NOT expected to require surgery. ❌ [@David_Ornstein] pic.twitter.com/UCRj5BUcYT
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) December 10, 2025
Road to Redemption
Dowman enters into a period of hard work in his physio this week, with a view of returing to academy in March to give the Arsenal academy a push. Already charmed by the videos of his magic, fans fill social media with the hash tags of the phrase GetWellMax.
As featured on GoonerNews.com