Max Dowman to miss three matches after Carabao Cup red-card appeal rejected

Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman will miss three matches after an appeal against his sending-off during Tuesday's Carabao Cup defeat at Fleetwood was rejected. The 16-year-old made his second start of the season in that game.

Dowman was shown a straight red card in the 85th minute after reacting to a heavy challenge by Fleetwood's Harrison Neal. Although he did not fully kick out, his foot did make contact with Neal. The tie finished 1-1 before League Two Fleetwood beat the Premier League champions 5-3 on penalties. Arsenal lodged an appeal on Wednesday, which was rejected. It was Dowman's second red card this month, having also been sent off while representing England's Under-19s.

As Dowman left the field, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gave him a scathing look and made what appeared to be an angry comment to the young winger. Arteta said after the game: "When we prepared the context of the match, we were very clear on the things to respect, the things that emotionally we have to dominate. It was very clear."

Dowman was dismissed for violent conduct, which according to the laws of the game is when a player "uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball... regardless of whether contact is made".

The Gunners were already light on options on the wing as Bukayo Saka, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke are currently out injured.

Arsenal return to Premier League action away to Liverpool on Sunday. Dowman will be unavailable for selection for three matches following the rejected appeal.