Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is considering giving promising teenager Max Dowman an opportunity in the club’s Carabao Cup match against Ipswich Town on Tuesday. The 16-year-old midfielder impressed during pre-season but has yet to feature in any competitive senior matches this campaign, with Arteta opting instead to field established players such as Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke on the right flank.

Arsenal have maintained a perfect record so far this season, which has justified Arteta’s selections to date. However, there is growing anticipation among supporters for Dowman to receive more first-team minutes, and the upcoming fixture at Portman Road presents a suitable occasion for his inclusion.

Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta acknowledged the challenges in managing squad rotation and player development. “I wish we could have [had him in Sunderland], but yeah, we have the limitation with the numbers that we can have,” he said when asked about Dowman’s limited playing time. He added that the young midfielder will have opportunities in the future but must earn his minutes like any other player. “We know the talent that we have and we need to help him and find a way to make sure that he continues to develop and help the team,” Arteta stated.

Arsenal reached the final of the Carabao Cup last season but fell to Manchester City, a defeat that cast some doubt over how much priority the club places on the competition. Nonetheless, the knockout tournament remains a platform for emerging players like Dowman to gain valuable experience while Arsenal balance their ambitions in domestic and European competitions.