According to a report by Football London on Monday, November 2, 2026, Arsenal youngster Max Dowman could return to Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up this week despite receiving a three-match domestic suspension following his red card against Fleetwood Town.

The 16-year-old is available for Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Slavia Prague because his suspension does not extend to European competitions.

Dowman was sent off during Arsenal’s disappointing cup defeat to Fleetwood Town and consequently missed Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Liverpool, where the Gunners claimed an important 1-0 victory at Anfield.

Arsenal appealed the three-match ban in an attempt to have the punishment reduced or overturned. However, the Football Association rejected their appeal, meaning the teenager will also be unavailable for the domestic matches against Hull City and Newcastle United.

Arteta was unhappy with the decision, believing the punishment was excessive given the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Nevertheless, Dowman could return to the squad against Slavia Prague, offering him an opportunity to gain more experience in European competition. The Czech side have struggled in the Champions League this season, making the fixture an important opportunity for Arsenal.

His availability is particularly valuable because Bukayo Saka is currently sidelined with an injury, while Noni Madueke has also experienced fitness problems recently.

Madueke started and completed the victory over Liverpool, leaving Arteta with limited natural options on the right wing. Dowman’s return could therefore provide another attacking alternative for the Arsenal manager.

The match could also allow several players who did not start at Anfield to earn opportunities, including Ben White, Piero Hincapie, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Viktor Gyokeres, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze.

With Arsenal competing on both domestic and European fronts, the meeting with Slavia Prague could give Arteta an opportunity to rotate his squad while maintaining the team's strong momentum.