Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that 16-year-old Max Dowman is in line for his first Champions League start against Slavia Prague. The teenager, who became the youngest player ever to appear in the competition last season, could now break another record by becoming its youngest goalscorer.
Arteta addressed the prospect directly, indicating the player's suspension in domestic competition has opened a door in Europe. "That's a chapter that is gone," Arteta said, referring to Dowman's landmark debut a year ago. "It's a moment of learning from all of us, and we move on."
Max Dowman made history at 15 years and 308 days old when he came off the bench in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Slavia Prague last season. If he finds the net in the Czech capital, he would surpass the record currently held by Ansu Fati, who scored for Barcelona at 17 years and 40 days. The manager's message to the young player has been one of clear communication. "I sit down with him and I just say, have you seen my press conference? What do you think?" Arteta explained. "I'm just honest with him."
Dowman is currently serving a three-match domestic suspension and will not be available for Premier League duty until November 29. This European fixture provides a significant opportunity for minutes. The Gunners travel to face a Slavia Prague side that has failed to win any of its last 22 matches in the Champions League, a run Arsenal will be confident of extending as they look to maintain momentum from a key 1-0 victory at Liverpool last weekend.
The call-up comes as Arsenal sit first in the Premier League with 24 points from nine games, holding a three-point lead over Manchester City. Their recent form shows three wins and two draws from the last five outings across all competitions. Key to that run was the win at Anfield, secured by a Kai Havertz goal, which keeps the team unbeaten in five.
With domestic options limited for Dowman, his development path now runs through European nights. A start in Prague would be the next logical step for a player Arteta is clearly integrating into the first-team picture. The match kicks off in Czechia as Arsenal aim to build on their perfect start to the Champions League group stage.
More detail at Daily Mirror Football
