Arsenal is now dealing with a serious injury problem. However, the Gunners might now receive an uncommon kind of dispensation after Kai Havertz suffered a hamstring injury last week that will keep him out for the remainder of the season. Following his setback, the German international was added to the waiting list for a treatment table that was already filled by Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bukayo Saka.
This backlog occurs during a pivotal period in the 2024–2025 term. The question of whether Mikel Arteta’s team can finally end their more than two-decade league title drought is back in the spotlight as they attempt to close the seven-point gap between themselves and Premier League leaders Liverpool. They must now brave a demanding February schedule without a recognized center-forward.
The north London club may seek assistance from an unlikely source, even though free agents are still allowed to sign after the just passed January transfer window cutoff day, meaning players like Maxi Gomez and Carlos Vela might be emergency alternatives. However, they must first ask the Premier League for authorization.
Arsenal Could Look Into Registering Academy Star
15-year-old Max Dowman is waiting in the wings
Due to Havertz’s injury, his management doesn’t have much offensive potency. As of right now, it appears that Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri will have to start for the Gunners. However, it’s hard to predict what the Spaniard’s next course of action would be if any of those players were to sustain an injury or be suspended.
For this reason, Arteta might have a peek inside the production lines while working at the Hale End academy. Max Dowman, 15, is one player who has excelled lately. Despite working with the first team, the offensive midfielder, who Arsenal academy coach Gustavo Oliveira has compared to Kaka, is still unable to make his Premier League debut.
🚨 JUST IN from @SamiMokbel81_DM:
Arsenal may have the opportunity to request special dispensation to use Max Dowman given their current injury predicament… 💫
but it is not clear whether the Premier League would accept any application. ☁️ pic.twitter.com/gFJJWrJk69
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) February 13, 2025
A player who is assigned to an age category below Under-16 is prohibited by Premier League regulations from appearing on a first-team club’s teamsheet or playing in a league game. Dowman was included in Arsenal’s Under-15 squad before to the start of the new season. However, given their current circumstances, the club might be able to ask for special permission to utilize the talented player, according to the Daily Mail. The story goes on to say that it’s not yet apparent if the Premier League will approve Arsenal’s application.
Dowman’s recent call-up to the England Under-17s squad this week demonstrated the quality he possesses. The child is thought to be the next big thing to come out of the academy. Myles Lewis-Skelly has been serving as his mentor on his journey to first-team football, and he is reportedly already putting himself through his paces with the Under-18s training program, four years ahead of schedule.
