Teenage Arsenal talent Arsenal FC youngster Max Dowman missed first-team training on Thursday due to his ongoing GCSE school exams, the club have confirmed.
The highly-rated midfielder was unavailable for the session as Mikel Arteta’s side continued preparations for their upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace FC. Arsenal are also preparing for a huge European test against Paris Saint-Germain FC in just 10 days’ time.
Dowman’s absence quickly became a talking point among supporters after the youngster recently trained with senior players during an important period of the season. However, the reason behind his absence was not injury related. The 16-year-old is currently sitting his GCSE examinations and could not attend training.
The situation underlines the unusual balance young academy players often face while breaking into elite football. Just days after being involved around Arsenal’s first-team environment during a tense title race, Dowman was back focusing on his education commitments.
The youngster is regarded as one of the brightest prospects coming through Arsenal’s Hale End academy. Coaches inside the club reportedly rate him very highly, with many already viewing him as a future first-team player.