Arsenal star Max Dowman sidelined for two months

Arsenal have been dealt a significant blow with teenage midfielder Max Dowman expected to miss around two months, according to The Athletic.

The Arsenal starlet suffered ankle ligament damage during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United on Saturday.

The 15-year-old sustained the injury following a challenge and, while he will not require surgery, scans revealed a long-term issue that immediately forced squad changes.

The Gunners confirmed on Tuesday that Dowman has been removed from their Champions League squad, with Gabriel Jesus taking his place under new UEFA rules.

The regulation allows one outfield player to be replaced during the league phase if they are ruled out for at least 60 days.

This week was the final opportunity for Arsenal to make such a change.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Club Brugge, Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment at losing the prodigious midfielder.

“Unfortunately, Max picked up an injury last weekend and had to come off. We did some scans, and he is going to be out for weeks,” said the Arsenal manager.

Dowman’s rise has been one of the stories of Arsenal’s season.

After impressing in pre-season, he made his senior debut in August’s 5-0 win over Leeds United, becoming the club’s second-youngest player.

A month later, at 15 years and 308 days, he became the youngest player ever to appear in the Champions League.

He has featured five times in all competitions this term, contributing one assist, and signed scholarship terms in October with plans for a professional deal at 17.

Arsenal’s title charge has been disrupted by injuries to Kai Havertz, William Saliba, Leandro Trossard and others.

Thankfully, Jesus, sidelined since January with an ACL injury, has returned ahead of schedule.

Arteta praised the Brazilian’s relentless recovery push, noting the joy within the squad at his return.

Jesus will now be eligible to feature in Arsenal’s final three Champions League league-phase fixtures as the Premier League leaders aim to maintain their perfect European record.