Max Dowman
ARS
Attacking Midfielder
Shadow Striker
Dec 31, 2009 (16)
Left
6'0"
161 lb
Set for increased involvement
Dowman is expected to receive playing time in Saturday's Premier League clash against Everton, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "He's training, and every time he's got a moment to play, he's showing that he's a player who is going to impact the game, so for sure he's going to have minutes."
Analysis: Dowman could see increased playing time in the coming weeks as Arsenal deal with Bukayo Saka's injury, creating additional opportunities on the right flank. The young winger has made just two appearances across the Premier League and Champions League this season, totaling 14 minutes, but has already demonstrated his attacking potential with two goals against Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup. Despite his limited involvement in league and European competition, his performances have strengthened his case for a more prominent role. Dowman could benefit from additional opportunities while Saka remains sidelined, with his playing time potentially increasing if he continues to impress.
Option off bench
Dowman (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Leeds United.
Analysis: Dowman is available as a substitute after recovering from a knock suffered while representing England's U19s during the international break. The young attacker recorded a goal and an assist across three appearances for his country, building on a promising start to the campaign that included a Carabao Cup brace against Ipswich in September. His Premier League involvement remains limited, and he will provide attacking depth if called upon against Leeds.
Cleared for Leeds clash
Dowman (undisclosed) is available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Leeds United after recovering from an injury suffered during international duty with England's U19 squad, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Max is available."
Analysis: Dowman returned to Arsenal earlier than expected during the international break after picking up a knock while representing England's U19s, but the issue has not prevented him from being cleared for Saturday's matchup. The young attacker featured in three matches for his country, recording a goal and an assist, and should now be an option off the bench against Leeds. Dowman has enjoyed a promising start to the campaign, highlighted by a brace in September's Carabao Cup win over Ipswich, although his Premier League involvement has remained limited. He is expected to continue providing attacking depth rather than challenging for a regular starting role.
Withdraws from England U19s
Dowman (undisclosed) withdrew from England's U19 squad and returned to Arsenal's training ground for further assessment, according to Arthur Ferridge of The Standard.
Analysis: Dowman featured in all three matches during the break with the England U19s, tallying a goal and an assist across wins over Ireland, Norway and the United States, and reports suggest he picked up a contact injury that isn't believed to be overly serious. He has made a bright start to the season, highlighted by a brace in September's Carabao Cup win at Ipswich, while he also logged nine minutes off the bench in the 3-0 loss to Brighton for his first EPL appearance of the campaign. If Dowman is forced to miss time, his absence shouldn't impact the starting XI, as he has primarily served as a depth option in the Gunners' front line.
Makes first season EPL appearance
Dowman registered one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-0 defeat against Brighton.
Analysis: Dowman came on in the 81st minute for Martin Odegaard and delivered one corner and one accurate cross from his only attempt in nine minutes of action as Arsenal attempted to salvage some dignity from a 3-0 deficit. He registered zero shots but showed the directness that he showed last season in his first Premier League appearance of the season against the Seagulls.
Nets brace in EFL Cup win
Dowman scored two goals in Tuesday's 4-2 EFL Cup win over Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Dowman is just 16, but he didn't look outmatched in this cup tie and scored two of the Gunners' four goals to extend their undefeated start to the 2026/27 season in all competitions. Dowman is considered one of the best U17 players in the world, but the Gunners' coaching staff is guiding every step he takes with the first team. Dowman is likely to see time in cup competitions, but even after this impressive performance, he's not expected to be a regular at the EPL or UCL level any time soon.
Fully part of first team plans
Dowman is fully part of Arsenal's system heading into the new season, with his playing time set to depend on earning it, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Well, he's one hundred per cent with us, that's for sure - he's done the pre-season, and he's in our system in every effect. How much he'll play is like anyone else, he needs to earn it. If he earns it, he will play; if somebody else earns it, he won't play that much"
Analysis: Dowman impressed throughout preseason, starting all four friendlies and contributing one goal and one assist against Girona, showcasing his dynamic dribbling and ability to advance play with through balls. He's set for a rotational role behind Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke as he continues gaining Premier League experience. Dowman is expected to compete for minutes as the new season gets underway.
Positive preseason with Arsenal
Dowman scored once and provided one assist in the last three friendly games and is set for a rotational role with Arsenal heading into 2026/27.
Analysis: Dowman has had a striking performance during preseason in preparation for the 2026/27 season, having started all three preseason friendlies and scoring one goal and assisting once in the match against Girona. The young attacking midfielder is best known for his dynamic dribbling as well as advancing the game with through balls. Dowman will continue to serve as a rotational option behind Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke heading into 2026/27 as he continues to get experience playing at the Premier League level.
Fails to provide spark
Dowman registered five crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Only one of Dowman's five crosses were considered accurate and he failed to generate the spark Arsenal needed when they were down a goal. Dowman is unlikely to make an appearance on Wednesday in the second leg of their UCL tie against Sporting CP unless the game is in hand.
First Premier League goal
Dowman scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Everton.
Analysis: Dowman walked the ball into the net late in second half stoppage time Saturday to put the game on ice in Arsenal's 2-0 home win over Everton. The goal was the teenage sensation's first in England's top-flight and made him the youngest goal scorer in Premier League history. Saturday was Dowman's second Premier League appearance of the season (zero starts) and his first since a one-minute cameo in the dying embers of the season's opening fixture.
Fit for action
Dowman (ankle) is fit and an option moving forward, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
Analysis: Dowman has served some time on the sidelines this campaign due to an ankle injury, but is finally reaching full fitness again, with the attacker deemed fit for action. This comes after time with the U21s a week ago, which boosted his fitness a bit before first-team time comes. He only earned three appearances before the injury, notching 45 minutes of play and likelyto continue in more of a depth role as he builds his young career.
Set to play with U21s
Dowman (ankle) is set to play with the U21s on Friday, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "We are hopeful; Max will play some minutes tonight with the under-21s."
Analysis: Dowman is going to get some time this week, but is still outside the first team, with the attacker only playing with the U21s this week. This is still a major update, as he is at least getting some field time after a long absence. He will likely be lined up for a return to the first team in a few more weeks, continuing to build up fitness.
Expected back in one week
Dowman (ankle) remains out for Thursday's clash against Brentford but is expected to return in about a week or slightly longer, said coach Mikel Arteta in the press conference. "Max is still not available. He's doing very well, I think he will be with us in a week or so, and then he can pick up the rhythm and be available for us."
Analysis: Dowman remains out for Thursday's match against Brentford but is expected to return in about a week or slightly longer. He held a bench role prior to the injury and should return to that role once fit, with the club likely to be cautious in managing his comeback.
Still a few weeks away
Dowman (ankle) hasn't trained yet and is weeks away from a return, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "Max hasn't trained with us yet, so it will be still a few weeks I think, but it's getting better yes."
Analysis: Dowman is going to remain on the bench for a few more weeks as he continues to recover, with the midfielder not yet deemed fit. This extends his absence to over two months, with the midfielder likely to be close to out three months by the time he returns. He only appeared three times before the injury, likely still a depth option trying to earn minutes once fit.
Signs pre-contract agreement
Dowman has signed a pre-contract agreement with Arsenal that will lead to him signing professional terms when he turns 17 in December, the club announced.
Analysis: Dowman joined the academy at eight, progressed through Hale End, and made his under-18 debut at 13 before becoming the UEFA Youth League's youngest scorer at 14. An attacking midfielder or winger, he has scored 27 goals and provided 10 assists in 34 academy appearances across under-18 and under-21 levels. He debuted at senior level in August 2025 against Leeds United as the second-youngest player in Premier League history, became the club's youngest starter in October 2025 against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, and then became the youngest player to appear in the Champions League in November 2025 against Slavia Prague.
Still not training
Dowman (ankle) is still a few weeks away, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "(Max) is very similar to Mosquera. Very similar injuries, very similar time frames. Both evolving really well, but they're not training yet, so they're still a few weeks away."
Analysis: Dowman seems to be in a better spot than first thought, as the midfielder is seeming to be a few weeks away instead of aiming for a return to end February. However, he is yet to train, which he will have to before thinking of making a team sheet again. Even once he does return, the 16-year-olds role is likely to be limited.
Out at least two months
Dowman is expected to be out up to two months due to an ankle ligament injury, reports the New York Times.
Analysis: Dowman was dropped from the Champions League roster earlier in the week so this injury news isn't too surprising. It's a detriment to his growth, soon to be 16 years old, but he's still young and it's not a terrible injury. He'll aim to get back on the pitch in February, though given the depth of Arsenal, Dowman will likely remain with the U21s the rest of the season.
Picks up ankle injury
Dowman suffered an ankle injury in Saturday's match with the U21s, according to his club.
Analysis: Dowman went down over thee weekend and is now dealing with some issues, as the midfielder has been dealt an ankle injury. The young prospect will likely miss some time due to the injury, although he has played a minor role this season, only appearing twice for 19 minutes. That said, this is a minor loss, with his absence unlikely to effect the team.
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