Arsenal files: Arteta facing injury crisis just one game into season as Max Dowman, 15, set to follow Ethan Nwaneri path

DESPITE a solid window to provide depth in several positions, Mikel Arteta could be sweating on having a fit and available right-back to start against Leeds on Saturday.

During their open training session at the Emirates on Wednesday, Ben White – who struggled with injury last term – was missing from the squad.

SunSport were assured that it was nothing major and that he was simply taking part in an individual training session away from the group.

Arteta ’s other right-back Jurrien Timber – another to be dogged down by injuries since signing for Arsenal in the summer of 2023 from Ajax – had surgery on a troublesome ankle issue back in May and was unused during their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong.

The Dutchman took part in the opening part of training in front of the fans before sitting out of the much more physical section, standing on the sidelines with the physios.

This could merely be precautionary, but Arteta clearly is unwilling to risk both White and Timber in training right now.

Last season when both were out, midfielder Thomas Partey filled in, who left the club on a free this summer.

Should the same be the case for Leeds, we could see another experiment. Perhaps centre back Jakub Kiwior will fill in? Could the left-footed Riccardo Calafiori switch from left-back?

DOWMAN THE SUPERSTAR

You would be hard-pressed to find a 15-year-old who has already nailed down his signature, but Max Dowman has – another sign of his meteoric rise before even making his competitive debut.

The Hale End star was involved in Wednesday’s open training session and afterwards went over to the fans in the stands with a pen at the ready to sign shirts and take selfies.

SunSport saw between 40 and 50 fans scrambling over each other to meet their new hero – someone who has not taken his GCSEs or even started to learn to drive, let alone only making his senior debut in pre-season last month.

In Singapore and Hong Kong, his name was constantly met with a chorus of cheers, sometimes even louder than the ones for new signing Viktor Gyokeres.

But that debut was impressive, and despite the club’s determination to try and keep the spotlight off their promising young talent, Arteta cannot help but speak highly of him whenever he gets the chance in front of the media.

As such, it was a surprise to not see Dowman in the squad at Manchester United last weekend, but was still at Old Trafford watching on.

The main message for Arsenal fans here is: don’t panic.

Dowman will be making his Premier League debut sooner rather than later, but the main factor for his admission against United is that Arteta still needs to clear the squad and ship out some deadwood, such as the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira and maybe even Kiwior.

Once that happens when the window closes on September 1, Dowman will more than likely be given his debut, seeing as a loan move away is not being considered.

But when that happens, do not be surprised if he disappears for a while. That is exactly what Arteta did with Ethan Nwaneri, who was made to wait over 500 days for his second Prem appearance.

Agonisingly, Dowman will be over 100 days short of beating Nwaneri’s Premier League debut record which he set back in September 2022 at Brentford aged 15 years and 115 days.

Dec and the gang

THE trio of Declan Rice, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were 10 of the 11 Premier League players who were on stage at Manchester Opera House on Monday to pick up their accolades for being part of the PFA Team of the Year.

Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, unsurprisingly, decided to stay away due to his transfer row.

But one other member of the Arsenal party who travelled north was manager Arteta, who wanted to be there to support his players.

Tick tock scrooges

ARSENAL are once again keeping a close eye on season ticket holders who do not turn up for matches.

The sight of empty seats at the Emirates, even when a game is sold out, has always annoyed both the club and supporters, but this situation has improved recently.

For this season, starting with Leeds on Saturday, season ticket holders must use their seat for at least 20 out of the 23 matches included in their season ticket to be eligible for renewal.

Supporters who opt for the 19-match season ticket must utilise their seat for at least 17 out of 19 games, otherwise they will be kicked out.

Keep on Win-ning

THE club’s lucky mascot, a labrador called Win, continues to roam the training ground at London Colney.

During the summer break, she had a short break at the Arteta household where she remains extremely popular.

Pint set match

ARSENAL fans had plenty to celebrate at Old Trafford on Sunday.

And apart from a 1-0 win, they were able to have a few beers without busting the bank.

Although Manchester United have increased the prices from last season, a beer this season costs £4.95 at Old Trafford.

This is in contrast to the £7.20 at the Emirates last term.