Arteta hints Dowman could feature despite domestic ban
Max Dowman's domestic suspension will not stop him featuring for Arsenal in the Champions League, with Mikel Arteta suggesting the teenager could be involved when the Gunners travel to face Slavia Praha.
Dowman is serving a three match domestic ban following his red card against Fleetwood Town, and Arsenal's appeal against the decision was unsuccessful. That rules him out of selection in domestic competitions for the time being, but the suspension does not extend to European fixtures, leaving him available for the trip to Prague.
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Had he not been suspended, Dowman would likely have been in contention for a place in the squad that beat Liverpool at Anfield at the weekend, particularly with Christos Tzolis only just back from injury. Instead, the Champions League assignment against Slavia Praha now represents his next realistic chance to add to his first team minutes.
Arteta on Dowman's progress
Speaking about the youngster's development and the prospect of involvement against Slavia Praha, Arteta said, via Football London: โWell, it's another year in his career, and he's shown that every time he's played with us, he has a lot to offer. So that would be now a matter of a choice from my side to pick him.โ
Those comments suggest Arteta sees Dowman's inclusion as a selection decision rather than a question over his readiness, with the manager crediting the teenager's contributions whenever he has featured for the first team so far this season.
A chance to keep developing
Dowman has already established himself as part of Arsenal's broader plans this season, and further involvement in European fixtures would give him valuable experience against unfamiliar opposition at a higher level.
The red card against Fleetwood Town, and the suspension that followed, will also form part of his learning process. Managing emotions and decision making in difficult moments on the pitch is something Arteta and his coaching staff will want to see him improve as he continues to break into senior football.
Arteta is yet to confirm whether Dowman will actually be included in the squad for the trip to face Slavia Praha, with the final call resting with the manager closer to the fixture. Given the circumstances, though, the opportunity is clearly there for the teenager to take.
