Overview
- Scans confirmed ankle ligament damage sustained in a behind-closed-doors U21 friendly against Manchester United, with no surgery required.
- The absence is expected to last around two months, pointing to a likely return in February if recovery stays on track.
- Arsenal removed Dowman from their Champions League squad and registered Gabriel Jesus, who has traveled to Belgium and is available.
- Mikel Arteta said Dowman will be out for weeks and warned of a "really dangerous circle" as injuries stack up across the squad, with Sky reporting Arsenal lead the league in total absences.
- Dowman’s rapid rise included becoming a Champions League appearance-maker at 15 years and 308 days, prompting public concern about how quickly teenagers are exposed to senior football.