Mikel Arteta omits 28yo Arsenal star from Champions League squad

UEFA have named the Arsenal squad for the league phase of the competition, and manager Mikel Arteta has made some interesting decisions.

The Gunners boss has included 15-year-old Max Down and the eight summer arrivals in the 25-man squad, but Gabriel Jesus has been dropped.

The 28-year-old Brazilian striker is currently back on grass after the knee injury which kept him out of action for a large chunk of last season.

Arsenal could do with his services as he nears full fitness, but the decision not to include him in the Champions League squad speaks volumes.

Jesus is unlikely to be fully fit until towards the end of the year from the look of things.

He can be included in the new squad for the knockout stages of the elite European competition after the January transfer window.

Arsenal will face Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Olympiacos, and FC Kairat at the Emirates Stadium in the league phase of the Champions League.

The Gunners will play Inter Milan, Club Brugge, Slavia Praha, and Athletic Club away from home, kicking off their campaign with an opener against the La Liga club on September 16.

Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have not been included in Arsenal’s ‘A List’ as they count as ‘locally trained players’.

However, they are in their Champions League squad having been included on list ‘B’ and would not need to be registered until they turn 21.

Dowman has been named on Arsenal’s ‘A List’ as he needs to be if the club have plans to play him in the Champions League this season.

Under UEFA rules, he does not count as a locally trained player as only those who have been registered with a club for three entire seasons between the ages of 15 and 21 qualify to be called that.

Arsenal’s confirmed Champions League squad:

Goalkeepers

David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Tommy Setford

Defenders

William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Piero Hincapie, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori

Midfielders

Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Christian Norgaard, Leandro Trossard, Noni Madueke, Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Max Dowman

Attackers

Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli

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