Arsenal Wonderkid Max Dowman Included In Champions League Squad As Gabriel Jesus Misses Out
Caption: Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman causes penalty to Arsenal against Leeds
Arsenal have named their 23-man squad for the UEFA Champions League group stage with 15-year-old academy sensation Max Dowman earning a place, while striker Gabriel Jesus has been left out as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
Dowman’s inclusion means he could become the youngest player in Champions League history if he makes an appearance before the end of the year. The midfielder, who only turned 15 in July, has been fast-tracked by Mikel Arteta after impressing in pre-season and earning praise for his maturity and composure on the ball. His selection comes despite being ineligible for UEFA’s List B, forcing Arsenal to register him on the main List A squad.
The Gunners’ group-stage campaign begins away at Athletic Bilbao on September 16, with further tests against Olympiacos, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, Slavia Prague, Club Brugge and Kairat Almaty. With the packed schedule, Arteta may hand Dowman minutes in selected fixtures, potentially allowing him to break the record set by Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko, who debuted at 16 years and 18 days in 2020.
Kai Havertz has made the squad despite undergoing knee surgery last month, while Jesus is expected to miss the group stage. Arteta’s bold move to register Dowman underlines Arsenal’s faith in their Hale End talent and could see history made if the teenager features in Europe’s biggest competition.
Tags: Arsenal Fc England Fc Signsmedia Signstvkenya Epl Champions League
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FELIX MAKONA
An editor at Signs Tv
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT. WELL DRAWN INSIGHTS ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD OF SPORTS BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY . THIS IS RANGING FROM PARALYMPICS, BALL GAMES, ATHLETICS, RUGBY, TENNIS, GOLF, RACING AND SAFARI RALLY
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