Gabriel Jesus and Max Dowman did not join the Arsenal squad during their recent match against Aston Villa at Villa Park. Both players were instead involved in a closed-door friendly against Manchester United at St. George’s Park.
Gabriel Jesus’ Injury Update
Gabriel Jesus, a 28-year-old striker, suffered a significant knee injury earlier this year. He has not played for Arsenal since the FA Cup third round loss to Manchester United. Despite his long period out of action, Jesus has recently returned to first-team training.
Before the match against Aston Villa, there were expectations that either Jesus or Dowman would participate. Jesus has made progress in his recovery, scoring three goals in his last four Premier League appearances prior to his injury.
Recent Training and Friendly Matches
In a recent update, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta noted that Jesus had been actively training with the team and had been involved in internal matches to boost his fitness. Arteta expressed optimism about Jesus’s return, stating, “He looks really good in training, and he’s going to be a big addition to the team.”
Moreover, Jesus participated in a closed-door friendly, allowing him to gain match exposure and competition experience. Arteta confirmed that this opportunity was beneficial for his development.
Max Dowman’s Brief Appearances
Max Dowman, the 15-year-old midfielder, has had limited opportunities this season, making only a few appearances. He became the second-youngest player in Arsenal and Premier League history when he debuted at 15 years and 235 days against Leeds United.
Following his debut, Dowman made another brief appearance in an away match against Liverpool, but he has not played since then. Arteta praised Dowman’s maturity and confidence, stating the importance of protecting young talent while allowing them to integrate naturally into the squad.
Arsenal’s Current Season Prospects
As Arsenal continues their campaign, the team remains competitive in the Premier League and Champions League. Currently, they are also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Fans eagerly await the return of players like Gabriel Jesus, as Arsenal aims for success across tournaments.
- Players Excluded: Gabriel Jesus, Max Dowman
- Injury Status: Jesus recovering from knee injury
- Latest Matches: Friendly against Manchester United
- Arsenal’s Season: Competing in Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup
