Arsenal make final decision on Gabriel Jesus U-turn after Champions League rule change

Arsenal have confirmed a late change to their Champions League squad as the returning Gabriel Jesus has replaced 15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman.

Dowman was initially listed in the Gunners’ 23-man A List squad but the red-hot teenager suffered an ankle injury on Saturday in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United.

Per UEFA rules, participating clubs can replace one injured player in their squad if they can provide evidence he will be out for at least 60 days.

Yesterday, Football.London reported that Arsenal had no plans to replace injured defender Cristhian Mosquera with Brazilian striker Jesus.

Instead, they have kept Mosquera in the squad in the hope that he might be fit in time to face Inter Milan and Kairat Almaty.

Dowman will be unable to participate in UEFA competitions until February 6 meaning he won’t be involved against Inter or Kairat, even if fit. He can be re-added under Arsenal’s B List after the group phase.

Jesus was recently back in the Gunners’ match-day squad against Brentford but he was left out of the trip to Villa Park.

Instead, he featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Arsenal U21s on Saturday when they beat Manchester United U21s 3-0 at St George’s Park.

Dowman and Charles Sagoe Jr were among the goal-scorers. It’s also understood Jesus recently featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against fellow London Colney-based side Watford.

When asked ahead of the 1-1 draw at Chelsea whether Jesus would need to build up his fitness in friendly matches before returning to the Arsenal fold, Arteta said: “We have to see. Obviously, he’s been out for 11 months, and you need that progression. You need to see how his body reacts and what else he needs.

“The players that we have available as well, it has to make sense to have the right balance in the squad. The good thing is, it’s [Jesus’ return] very, very close at the moment.”

Arsenal would make sure of a top-eight finish with victory in Belgium against Club Brugge on Wednesday but Arteta is expected to rotate his side ahead of the Premier League meeting with Wolves.

Jesus will now be eligible to feature.

Source: football.london