Arsenal Could Seek ‘Special Dispensation’ to Field Promising Youngster Amid Injury Crisis
Arsenal might have the chance to apply for special dispensation from the Premier League to field one of their most highly-rated academy prospects.
With Kai Havertz ruled out for the remainder of the 2024/25 season due to a torn hamstring sustained during a training camp in Dubai, the Gunners are searching for attacking reinforcements. Havertz, who has scored 15 goals in 34 appearances this season, will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined until pre-season.
His absence, alongside injuries to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus, has left Mikel Arteta short on attacking options. This has sparked speculation about whether Arsenal could turn to 15-year-old Max Dowman, an emerging talent likened to Kaka by academy coach Gustavo Oliveira.
Despite training with the first team, Dowman is currently ineligible for Premier League matches due to league regulations preventing players under the Under-16 category from being named in a senior squad.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal could explore the possibility of requesting an exemption to allow Dowman to feature, though it remains uncertain whether the Premier League would approve such a request.
The young midfielder, who turned 15 in December, has already impressed at youth level, featuring prominently for Arsenal’s Under-18s and even making an appearance for the Under-21s.
Back in January, Arteta spoke highly of Dowman’s potential. “He is very impressive,” the Arsenal manager told journalist Jordan Davies. “Some of the things he does are unbelievable. We believe we can develop him into one of our own.”
Arteta acknowledged the restrictions surrounding Dowman’s age but hinted at his rapid progress, stating, “There are a lot of limitations, so we will have to wait and see. He is taking fast steps.”
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