Why is Max Dowman not in training with Arsenal?

Max Dowman is currently absent from training with Arsenal due to his school exams, putting the midfielder’s participation in the final two games of the season in doubt.

Max Dowman stands on the ball during Arsenal training. Marli Salmon stands behind him. They are both wearing Arsenal training kits of a deep red and blue shorts — Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images

Most of the Arsenal squad were in training on Thursday, with Mikel Merino returning to join the senior squad, only leaving Jurrien Timber and Ben White as injury absentees.

But youngster Max Dowman was also not involved with Isaan Khan of the Daily Mail reporting that the 16-year-old missed training due to his exams.

This is Dowman’s GCSE year, with the exams currently ongoing. The teenager has still managed to be involved with Arsenal regularly, appearing in their last 17 squads in all competitions. But as exams are now underway and the Premier League title is confirmed, perhaps now is the time to prioritise.

Max Dowman of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

There won’t be any exams over the weekends, so Dowman is technically free to play against Crystal Palace on Sunday, or against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final next Saturday.

Even so, Dowman’s limited availability to join in with training and the need to focus on his studies may well see him missing one or both of the two games.

It’s worth mentioning that even though Dowman has appeared in those last 17 squads in a row, he’s only started twice (both times in the FA Cup), and come off the bench five times during that period. On the other 10 occasions, he was an unused substitute.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Max Dowman of Arsenal runs with the ball on his way to scoring his teams second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on March 14, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Mikel Arteta would obviously like to have Dowman available for selection if at all possible, but Arsenal will also be understanding that they’re already taking up a lot of time in the schedule of the 16-year-old.

It won’t be long before Dowman’s schooling ends, and he’s able to fully focus his attentions on football and the Gunners. For now, there’s still a balance to strike.

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