Arsenal Add Gabriel Jesus to Champions League Squad After Max Dowman Injury

Arsenal have confirmed a late Champions League squad change, with Gabriel Jesus registered after Max Dowman suffered an ankle injury.

Why Arsenal Added Gabriel Jesus to Their Champions League Squad

Arsenal have made a last-minute alteration to their UEFA A-List ahead of the Champions League trip to Club Brugge, replacing 15-year-old Max Dowman with Gabriel Jesus.

The switch was made after Dowman picked up an ankle injury during an Under-21s match on Saturday, ruling him out for at least 60 days.

Under UEFA rules, clubs may replace a seriously injured player at any point up to Matchday Six.

Arsenal notified UEFA that Dowman would be unavailable, allowing Jesus to be added with immediate effect.

Is Gabriel Jesus Fit to Play Against Club Brugge?

Jesus is now eligible to feature on Wednesday night in Belgium.

The striker has recently returned to full training after nearly a year out with an ACL injury and has been building match fitness through behind-closed-doors friendlies against Watford and Manchester United, scoring in the latter.

Although he has yet to make his competitive comeback, he was on the bench for Arsenal’s recent Premier League games against Chelsea and Brentford and is expected to be included in the matchday squad in Brugge.

When Can Max Dowman Return for Arsenal?

Dowman will be moved to Arsenal’s UEFA B-List in January, but the rules state he cannot take part in any UEFA competition for 60 days from the date of the injury assessment.

His earliest possible return date is February 6.

By the time Arsenal submit their squad for the knockout rounds, Dowman will have turned 16 and will qualify for inclusion on the B-List.

Arsenal Injury News vs Club Brugge

Mikel Arteta still has other concerns ahead of the trip to Belgium.

Declan Rice, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard did not train with the main group at London Colney on Tuesday, leaving their involvement uncertain.

Rice and Trossard were reportedly training indoors, with a decision expected to be made over whether they travel with the squad to Belgium today.

Meanwhile, Kai Havertz remains out with a knee injury, and centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera are not expected back until the new year.

Arsenal’s squad depth has been tested this season, and Jesus’ return is certainly a welcome one.

How UEFA’s Squad Replacement Rule Works

UEFA’s regulations allow a team to replace an injured player during the league phase if the player is expected to be out for at least 60 days.

Arsenal originally avoided registering Jesus because they expected his ACL recovery to run well into 2026, but his earlier-than-planned return has opened the door for him to be added now.