Max Dowman’s absence from Arsenal’s squad tonight could actually be good news

Max Dowman is not in Arsenal’s squad for tonight’s trip to Sunderland.

The 16-year-old has been on the bench for four of Arsenal’s opening five competitive games this season — Manchester City, Coventry, Chelsea and Napoli — without yet making an appearance.

Tonight, however, he is absent from the matchday squad entirely, starting instead for Arsenal’s Under-21s against Chelsea this afternoon.

On the surface, that might seem like a bit of a shame. But it could actually suggest something more positive.

Max Dowman’s exclusion suggests positive Arsenal injury news

Dowman’s presence on the bench in those early games was partly a reflection of Arsenal’s defensive depth concerns.

With William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera and Jurrien Timber all unavailable, options were limited. In Piero Hincapie, Arsenal had just one outfield defender on the bench against Chelsea, which is an uncomfortable position for any manager.

But Dowman’s absence tonight suggests that situation may be improving. Either Mosquera or Timber — or possibly both — could be returning to the squad, giving Mikel Arteta the defensive cover he needs.

The teenager’s first senior minutes of the season are likely coming soon regardless. Arsenal travel to Ipswich on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup.

Of course, that’s the competition Arsenal came agonisingly close to winning last season before losing the final to Manchester City at Wembley.

Arteta will want to go one better this time, but will also use the cup to rotate and rest key players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.

Dowman, having impressed in his opportunities last season and again in pre-season, will surely feature at Portman Road.

Having him play for the Under-21s today will make sure the 16-year-old gets a valuable 90 minutes in the tank today, keeping his match sharpness high, rather than sitting through another 90 minutes on the bench.