Max Dowman gives Arsenal one shining light after Bukayo Saka's injury

Arsenal's positive night in Munich on Wednesday was marred by the injury to Bukayo Saka, which Mikel Arteta said after the game 'does not look good at all.'

The Gunners showed remarkable spirit to fight back from behind in an intimidating Allianz Arena atmosphere, securing a well-earned point against one of the other favourites to win this season's Champions League. Eberechi Eze's well-taken goal gave the North Londoners the lead before an excellently worked equaliser from Bayern, and a penalty from Harry Kane, established the German giants an advantage.

Declan Rice stepped up and slotted home to prevent Arteta's men from slipping to their first non-penalty shootout defeat in Europe since May 2025.

While Arteta will be delighted with his team's performance, he'll be extremely concerned about the condition of his talismanic attacker.

Bukayo Saka injury gives Max Dowman an opportunity

Ten minutes into the clash at the Allianz Arena, Saka went down after attempting a pass with nobody around him. He was replaced by Eze, and Arteta confirmed after the game that the setback is serious.

"They are a bit concerned. A player who has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news, but we have to wait and see," Arteta told TNT Sports.

Saka's recent issues with maintaining fitness certainly mean that the alarm bells will be ringing amongst Arsenal's medical staff. It unfortunately wouldn't be a major surprise to see him out for an extended period, which would be a hugely damaging blow as Arteta's side looks to preserve their status as Premier League champions this season.

That said, the potential shining light for the North Londoners could be the opportunity Saka's absence will likely give to Max Dowman.

The teenage sensation has impressed every time he's been given a chance in the past 12 months, but has remained largely on the periphery of Arteta's squad. This limited role has prompted speculation over a potential January loan move, with many feeling the youngster needs to be playing regularly to continue his development.

However, a lengthy injury layoff for Saka could change this. Noni Madueke, Saka's deputy, has established himself as a credible option on the left in recent matches. He's likely to step up and play the bulk of the minutes off the right in Arsenal's starboy's absence, while he may continue to rotate with Eze on the other flank, meaning the Gunners will need another option on the right. Dowman is the man to take these minutes.

He'll almost certainly play some role against Everton on Saturday, while minutes in upcoming games against Fleetwood Town and Slavia Prague are almost guaranteed.

If Dowman impresses during Saka's spell on the sidelines, he could cement himself even more in the first team picture, and this might ultimately be the making of him in Arsenal's senior set-up. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

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