Why can’t Max Dowman play for Arsenal in the Premier League?

MAX DOWMAN is the new talk of town amongst Arsenal fans, following the rapid rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.

Discourse around the Arsenal teenager has ramped up in recent weeks as he's been promoted to first team training and travelled with the senior squad to their warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

The attacking midfield talent was joined by fellow teen 16-year-old Jack Porter as Mikel Arteta's squad spent a week in the Middle East due to the week-long gap in their schedule following their elimination from the FA Cup.

To help the young pair, plus other young players, adjust to the senior team, Arsenal brought along under-21 manager Mehmet Ali and an Academy Player Care employee.

A large number of them had previously trained alongside the senior team.

Dowman would've been eligible to play in the FA Cup, but Arsenal's defeat to the hands of Manchester United in the third round will delay any possible debut.

As will a Premier League rule.

Why can't Max Dowman play for Arsenal in the Premier League?

A month before his 15th birthday on December 31, Dowman made history in September by being the youngest player to score in the Uefa Youth League at the age of 14 years, 8 months, and 19 days.

In December, he also became the youngest player to represent Arsenal at the under-21 level.

Yet, Dowman cannot participate in the Premier League this season.

No player below the under-16 age group can be included in a matchday squad, per tournament regulations.

To be able to participate in the Prem at any point during this season, a player must have turned 15 before August 31, 2024 - and Dowman did not.

Nwaneri is the youngest Premier League debutante ever at 15 years and 181 days and was able to do so because he was 15 before the established Premier League date.