Arsenal have decided to appeal Max Dowman’s red card against Fleetwood Town as they attempt to make the teenager available for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool.
According to The Sun journalist Simon Collings, the Gunners are challenging the dismissal following Tuesday’s shock Carabao Cup fourth-round defeat to the League Two side.
Dowman received a straight red card in the 85th minute after reacting to a heavy challenge from Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal.
The 16-year-old appeared to kick out at Neal near the touchline, prompting a confrontation between players from both teams.
Referee Michael Salisbury subsequently dismissed the Arsenal winger for violent conduct, leaving the visitors with 10 men for the closing stages.
There was no VAR in operation at Highbury Stadium, meaning the decision could not be reviewed during the match.
Arsenal went on to lose 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Viktor Gyokeres cancelling out Aaron Loupalo-Bi’s first-half opener.
Dowman’s dismissal threatened to compound an already disappointing evening, with the youngster facing a three-match domestic suspension.
The ban would rule him out of Sunday’s trip to Anfield and subsequent Premier League fixtures against Hull City and Newcastle United.
However, Arsenal believe the punishment was excessive and have decided to challenge the decision through the Football Association’s disciplinary process.
The club must submit the necessary appeal documents by 1pm GMT on Thursday, with hopes of receiving a verdict before facing Liverpool.
A successful appeal would overturn the dismissal and allow Dowman to remain available for selection.
The teenager would otherwise be unable to feature in domestic competition until Arsenal’s meeting with Manchester City on November 29.
His suspension would not extend to European football, leaving him eligible for next week’s Champions League encounter with Slavia Prague.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta appeared frustrated with Dowman as the youngster left the pitch on Tuesday.
However, the Spaniard declined to deliver a definitive assessment afterwards, explaining that he wanted to review the footage before judging the incident.
The appeal comes at a difficult time for Arsenal, who are already dealing with several attacking injuries.
Bukayo Saka remains sidelined following his injury against Bayern Munich, while Noni Madueke was unavailable for the Fleetwood defeat.
Dowman had strengthened his case for further opportunities after scoring twice against Ipswich Town in the previous round.
His availability could therefore prove important as Arsenal prepare for a demanding Premier League encounter against Liverpool.
The Gunners now await the outcome of their appeal, with Dowman’s immediate domestic future dependent on the disciplinary verdict.