Arsenal's Forgotten Star Shocks Fans by Replacing Rising Talent Max Dowman in Champions League Squad
Max Dowman has been compelled to withdraw from Arsenal's Champions League roster for the remainder of the calendar year due to injury, creating an opportunity for Gabriel Jesus to make his comeback.
Jesus hasn't featured in a competitive match for Arsenal since January 12, 2025, when he was carried off on a stretcher at the Emirates following an ACL tear during an FA Cup third-round encounter with Manchester United. The Brazilian striker has returned to team training and was recently included on the bench for Arsenal's London derby matches against Chelsea and Brentford.
Mikel Arteta excluded Jesus from the squad that suffered a 2–1 defeat to Aston Villa in Birmingham on Saturday afternoon, allowing him to gain valuable playing time in an U21s friendly against Manchester United on the same day.
Dowman—alongside former Arsenal favorite Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain—also participated against United's youth team, but the youngster picked up an ankle injury, according to club reports. While this setback affects the teenage talent, Jesus has gained from the situation.
Utilizing a UEFA regulation introduced at the season's beginning, Arsenal can make one modification to their league phase roster before the knockout rounds in cases of illness or injury. Similar to how Chelsea and Liverpool were permitted to add Facundo Buonanotte and Federico Chiesa respectively, Arsenal registered Jesus this week.
The 28-year-old striker is now eligible to play against Club Brugge on Wednesday evening, though whether Arteta will deploy him immediately remains uncertain. The Gunners have struggled with fitness problems over the last 18 months. Since last season began, the club's record of 93 separate injuries is only exceeded by Brighton & Hove Albion among Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports News.
However, Jesus must return eventually. Arsenal's Champions League progression is virtually guaranteed after securing five victories from five matches to begin the league phase, yet Club Brugge shouldn't be taken lightly—just ask Barcelona. Saturday evening's home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have managed just two Premier League points, might provide a more suitable environment for Jesus's comeback.
Dowman Faces Postponed Champions League Return
Arsenal's concise announcement regarding Jesus's registration didn't elaborate on Dowman's injury severity. Nevertheless, it was evidently significant enough to trigger a 60-day waiting period before returning to the competition, which UEFA imposes on any player removed from a squad for medical reasons.
The Gunners can re-register Dowman in January, but he won't be eligible for selection until February 6, 2026, after they've completed all eight league phase matches. Unless there's a dramatic downturn, Arsenal will likely bypass the knockout playoff round and advance directly to the round of 16, with first legs scheduled for March 10–11, 2026.
At that point, Dowman could rejoin a fully recovered Jesus in Arsenal's attacking lineup.