Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed teenage sensation Max Dowman to put his recent disciplinary troubles behind him as the youngster prepares for another opportunity to make Champions League history.

The 16-year-old is pushing for a place in Arsenal’s starting line-up against Slavia Prague despite serving a three-match domestic suspension following his red card against Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup.

According to GOAL, Arteta remains confident in Dowman’s ability and believes the incident will prove valuable to his development rather than derail his progress.

The teenager already has fond memories of the Champions League, having become the youngest player to feature in the competition at 15 years and 308 days during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague last season.

Arteta Reveals Dowman’s Dismissal Has Been Addressed

Arteta, who was visibly frustrated following Dowman’s dismissal against Fleetwood, insists the matter has been addressed and is now firmly in the past.

“That’s a chapter that is gone. It’s a moment of learning from all of us, and we move on,” Arteta said.

“You learn from the not-so-good ones, you have to make sure you learn from the great ones as well. And he’s been engaged.

“When you see the kids and today we spent some time together, talking about things in training, he’s always super positive. When you’re 16 you have a different way of looking at things and treating things, and that’s what he brings to the team as well.

“I sit down with him and I just say, have you seen my press conference? What do you think? I’m just honest with him,” he explained.

“It’s public so we just have this kind of relationship. I think it’s the way it should be and if he thinks something different he needs to tell me. That’s the relationship we try to build with our players.”

Arteta Reckons Dowman Must Learn To Control His Emotions

Arteta believes Dowman must learn to control his emotions when confronted with aggressive challenges, warning that opponents will continue to test his temperament.

The Arsenal boss is convinced that dealing with such situations will be crucial to the teenager’s development as he establishes himself at the highest level.

Meanwhile, Dowman could achieve another significant milestone if he finds the net against Slavia Prague.

A goal would see the England youngster surpass former Barcelona forward Ansu Fati, who currently holds the record as the youngest goalscorer in Champions League history at 17 years and 40 days.

Arsenal head into the encounter following an impressive 1-0 Premier League victory over Liverpool at Anfield.

With Arteta expected to make changes to his starting line-up, Dowman could be handed another opportunity to demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the club’s most promising young talents.