Arsenal Under-21s thrashed Manchester United 3-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gabriel Jesus both featuring
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to a return for Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gabriel Jesus helped the Gunners Under-21s secure a 3-0 victory over Manchester United in a behind-closed-doors friendly. The 32-year-old became available in the summer following the conclusion of his spell at Besiktas
According to journalist Nathan Salt, the north Londoners triumphed on Saturday against a United side reduced to 10-men following James Overy's dismissal. Oxlade-Chamberlain, who recently re-joined the club to work on his fitness, has been training with the youth setup.
Prior to Arsenal's Champions League clash with Slavia Praha, Oxlade-Chamberlain was spotted participating in youth team training during the first team's media open session. "If we can help him and give him the space for him to get up to speed and have the capacity to find a club," Mikel Arteta said.
"It's a joy, the boys will learn from it. I had the privilege to play with him and if he is around he will be a really good role model to have around the team."
Striker Gabriel Jesus also featured after making his return to the matchday squad. The Brazilian was included amongst the substitutes against Chelsea last weekend and Brentford in midweek, though he was omitted from the squad for the Aston Villa defeat.
Gabriel Jesus in Arsenal training
Gabriel Jesus hasn't played for Arsenal since January 2025
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Jesus has been sidelined since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, requiring surgery, and has only recently resumed full training. "So we took that opportunity for the players that needed a bit of exposure and competition to provide that to them," said Arteta.
"It was very positive. Obviously, he has been out 11 months and you need that progression. You need to see how his body, that knee reacts and what else does he need.
"The players that we have available as well, it has to make sense to have the right balance in the squad. The good thing is that it is very, very close at the moment."
Max Dowman
Max Dowman has been involved in Arsenal's first-team this season
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Highly-rated academy prospect Max Dowman was also involved. Like Jesus, the youngster missed out on the Villa Park squad to take part in the behind-closed-doors match. Arteta and Arsenal will view the friendly as a success. With a comfortable 3-0 victory and game time for Jesus, Dowman continued his impressive form by finding the net.
Charles Sagoe Jr, who featured in the squad against Slavia Praha back in November, was also amongst the goalscorers. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's appearance for the club marked his first since departing in 2017 for £35million to Liverpool. His contribution in the triumph over United was his first outing for the Gunners since the 4-0 thrashing at Anfield in 2017.
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