Arsenal announce UEFA Champions League squad with wonderkid included | OneFootball

Arsenal name Champions League squad with teenager included and striker omitted

Dowman’s rapid rise

According to the latest announcement, Arsenal have confirmed their Champions League squad for the league phase and it contains one extraordinary inclusion. Max Dowman, just 15 years old, has been named on the list. The midfielder made his Premier League debut last month against Leeds, followed by another cameo at Anfield, and now stands on the brink of history.

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UEFA’s current record is held by Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko, who featured at 16 years and 18 days in 2020. Dowman, who does not turn 16 until December 31, could eclipse that mark with six Champions League fixtures scheduled before his birthday.

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“Dowman has been named on Arsenal’s ‘A List’,” the club confirmed, with UEFA rules requiring his registration there because he does not qualify as a ‘locally trained player’. Those players must have been registered for three full seasons between the ages of 15 and 21, a rule that prevents Dowman from being listed elsewhere.

Jesus left out

The other headline development is the absence of Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian forward has not played since January after undergoing knee surgery and while he has shown progress by posting running videos on social media, he has been omitted for now. Arsenal stressed he could be added later, before the knockout rounds, if fitness allows.

Photo: IMAGO

New arrivals strengthen depth

All eight summer signings are included, with Piero Hincapie featuring after his deadline day move. The reshaped squad reflects Mikel Arteta’s long-term planning, balancing immediate competitiveness with opportunities for emerging talents like Dowman. Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, both regarded as highly promising, are eligible under UEFA’s locally trained rules and so do not require ‘A List’ registration.

Photo: IMAGO

Opening fixtures

Arsenal will begin their Champions League campaign in under two weeks with a trip to Athletic Bilbao. Their squad, containing both seasoned internationals and a 15-year-old midfielder, illustrates both the strength and the remarkable gamble in trusting youth at the highest level.

Arsenal’s Champions League squad: David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Tommy Setford; William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Piero Hincapie, Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori; Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Christian Norgaard, Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke, Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Max Dowman; Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli.