Why Max Dowman isn't playing for Arsenal vs Athletic Club as Mikel Arteta explains decision

Mikel Arteta has already revealed why Max Dowman has not been named in Arsenal's squad to take on Athletic Club in their final pre-season friendly.

The 15-year-old has been a bright spark in a mixed few weeks for the Gunners - with victories over AC Milan and Newcastle United followed by defeats to Tottenham and Villarreal. Across those four games, Dowman has played 96 minutes in total and made a noticeable impact.

His latest cameo arrived earlier this week against Spanish opposition, with the teenager winning a penalty which was then converted by Martin Odegaard. That exact scenario also played out in 3-2 victory over Newcastle with it clear Dowman is doing all the right things.

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For the Arsenal supporters that may have wanted to see him in action at Emirates Stadium, again, they will be disappointed to see he is not among the 25 players that can feature on Saturday. However, Arteta had revealed that would be the case several days ago and it's easy to understand why he has been left out.

"Let's see how it goes,"Arteta replied when asked about Dowman getting minutes in the Premier League this season. "Let's go into Saturday, into the break as well. He needs a little break as well, because he hasn't had any holidays, really.

"So, in the next few days, he's going to have a break, which I think he needs. And then, following the week, he'll be ready again to go.

"He continues to impress, without a doubt. The impact he had in the game again today, the efficiency that he shows in every attacking action, it's incredible. Again, he deserves to have chances, and if he continues like this, let's see what happens."

Declan Rice is one of many Arsenal stars that speaks highly of Dowmanwith the actions of others on the pitch a glowing indictment of his ability.

"I think the reaction [of his team-mates] is very clear. They have the ball and they give it to him," Arteta added.

"So, that tells you how much they trust him and I think the relationship he's building within the team. So, I think nothing better than that.

"The confidence they show to make things happen, and the constant connection that they have with him.

"With Max it's been so fast. Even last year when he was training with us, he was doing this kind of thing in training and now he's doing it in the game consistently.

"So the three or four games that he's played, he's managed to impact and have big moments in the game. Great."

As Arteta points out, Dowman will only be away for a short period but he has absolutely earnt some time off and the club will, surely, be careful when it comes to giving him more senior football so early into his promising career.