Arsenal are set to appeal the red card shown to Max Dowman during their shock Carabao Cup elimination at the hands of Fleetwood Town.

The 16-year-old was dismissed late in Tuesday’s fourth-round encounter after reacting angrily towards Fleetwood midfielder Harrison Neal following a strong challenge from the League Two player.

The Gunners subsequently suffered a penalty shootout defeat, ending their hopes of winning the competition.

Dowman now faces a potential three-match domestic suspension unless Arsenal’s appeal is successful.

The North London club must submit the necessary documents to the Football Association by 1 pm GMT on Thursday.

However, Arsenal are hoping the governing body will deliver its verdict before their Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday, but the timing of the decision rests with the FA.

If the suspension stands, Dowman will miss the matches against Liverpool, Hull City and Newcastle United.

This would keep him out of domestic action until Arsenal’s meeting with Manchester City on November 29.

However, the ban would not extend to European fixtures, leaving the teenager eligible to feature against Slavia Prague in the Champions League on November 4.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a brief explanation of his exchange with Dowman following the youngster’s dismissal.

As the teenager walked past the Arsenal dugout and made his way down the tunnel, Arteta leaned towards him and appeared to reprimand him.

When asked about their conversation, the Spanish manager replied: “It was something that we discussed before the game.”

Arteta refused to provide further details when questioned again, leaving the exact nature of his conversation with the young winger undisclosed.