Softfootball has gathered that Arsenal has dumped Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus from their Champions League squad for youngster Max Dowman. The Gunners, who had a high-flying performance last season in the Champions League, where they eliminated Real Madrid and succumbed to the winners, PSG, are preparing their squad to make a difference this season.
As released by Fabrizio Romano this evening, Jesus was not registered for the Gunners’ Champions League group stage fixtures as a result of his prolonged injury. Aside from injury worries from Jesus, the duo of William Saliba and Bukayo Saka has also been ruled out injured, which has become a major concern for Mikel Arteta.
Fabrizio, who posted it on his X handle, stated that Mikel Arteta replaced Jesus with 17-year-old youngster Dowman. This is a result of Jesus’ consistent unavailability, which Arteta is trying to work around with his available squad.
Fabrizio wrote,
Gabriel Jesus, not in Arsenal squad for Champions League. Max Dowman, included.
The Brazilian forward, who joined from Manchester City in 2022, has faced inconsistent form and fitness concerns, limiting his impact for the North Londoners. Last season, Jesus only managed 17 appearances for Arsenal, having last played in January against Manchester United during the FA Cup
third round, having sustained an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Meanwhile, Dowman has shown as one of the bright stars to watch out for this season in the EPL. The 17-year-old has played twice for Arsenal this season, coming in as a substitute on both occasions.
Arteta has the September break to prepare his team optimally following a weekend defeat to Liverpool at Anfield Stadium. Arsenal’s next fixture is against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium next weekend.
