Max Dowman, 16, missed Arsenal’s first training session since their Premier League title was confirmed because of his GCSE exams, with the Gunners also without Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and David Raya.
Max Dowman knew exactly what would keep him away from Arsenal’s first training session after the Premier League title was decided — and it wasn’t an injury or a selection call.
Dowman, 16, missed the session due to his GCSE exams. He had not been pictured with the squad on Thursday as Arsenal reconvened for the first time since title triumph was confirmed. with preparations underway for their final league match at Crystal Palace on Sunday and the Champions League final against PSG next weekend.
The gap in his schedule comes days after Arsenal’s title celebrations were shaped by the result from Bournemouth. where Man City’s draw confirmed the trophy was theirs. Dowman had been part of the story in the run-in. even if his league appearances have been limited — he has played five times since making his debut last August. The impact, though, has been anything but small.
In March, with Arsenal held by Everton at the Emirates, Dowman came off the bench and helped set up Viktor Gyokeres’ 89th-minute strike. He then added a second goal deep into added time, striking again in the moment to become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
Against that backdrop, his absence from training adds a sharp contrast. Dowman began training with the first team at 14. and Monday’s matchday picture still showed how quickly his season has shifted between spotlight and sidelines. He was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Burnley on Monday. but was not seen with the squad during Tuesday night’s celebrations following Man City’s draw.
The timing points straight to the school timetable. His GCSEs run from May 4 to June 26 this year.
Thursday’s session also had other notable absences. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and David Raya were also not pictured as Arsenal trained.
For those who did attend, the atmosphere carried a rare dose of history. Arsenal legend Robert Pires, part of the previous Arsenal title-winning team in 2004, greeted the players.
The balancing act around Dowman has been clear for months. In March. after his Everton display. Wayne Rooney — who was 16 years and 360 days old when he scored his first Premier League goal. making him the league’s youngest scorer at that time — spoke about the challenge facing the teenager. Rooney said: “What an opportunity for him to be around the squad. He could be a Premier League winner when he’s still finishing school off.”.
He added: “He’s got an aura and a belief about him and it was the same against Everton. (But) if it’s education first. I don’t think we’ll see much of him over the next few weeks.” Rooney also pointed directly to the importance of school for Dowman and his family: “He has got his GCSEs. and his education. I’m sure for him and his family. is important as well.”.
Rooney finished with a forward-looking reminder that a career will be measured over years rather than weeks: “He won’t be in as much as he’d probably like, but then you’ve got many years ahead of you.”
Rooney’s comments landed during a moment when Dowman’s talent was already colliding with the reality of modern pressure. Rooney described how the spotlight works now compared to when he was coming through. saying: “Now we’re in (a) social media (era). People will be messaging, Instagram or Twitter, whatever he’s got. And you’ll be seeing it everywhere.”.
He added: “It’s different now, a different age when I was coming through. There was no social media at that time.” Rooney also suggested that scrutiny can feel different from one generation to the next: “So it was all about the newspapers and whether you liked it or not – front page and back page. I think the scrutiny is not on you as much maybe these days.”.
At the moment, the lesson for Dowman looks simple and immediate. With GCSEs scheduled from May 4 to June 26. the Premier League winner is stepping back from Thursday’s training. leaving Arsenal to plan their next stretch without him — even as the club turns attention toward Crystal Palace and the Champions League final against PSG.
Arsenal Max Dowman GCSEs Premier League title Bukayo Saka William Saliba Jurrien Timber David Raya Crystal Palace Champions League final PSG Wayne Rooney Robert Pires Viktor Gyokeres
GCSEs are why he wasn’t training? Kinda wild Arsenal lets him miss stuff for school though.
So they’re talking about the Premier League title and Champions League final and this kid is taking exams… sounds like everyone’s just doing whatever. Also why wasn’t he pictured? like does that mean he’s not in the plans anymore?
Wait I thought Arsenal didn’t even have the title confirmed yet, but then it says it was confirmed already by the Bournemouth result?? I’m confused. Either way, a 16-year-old missing training for GCSEs seems like he’s getting treated different than Saka and Saliba or whatever.
I mean he scored that late goal and now he’s just not training? Makes no sense to me. Like okay school first I guess but if you’re the youngest goalscorer in PL history wouldn’t you be on the field every day, especially with PSG next weekend. Also where’s Timber in all this—hurt? they always leave stuff out.