Gabriel Jesus and Max Dowman absence explained after Aston Villa vs Arsenal decision

Gabriel Jesus and Max Dowman were left out of the Arsenal squad to face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon

Gabriel Jesus and Max Dowman were left out of the Arsenal squad as they're set to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United at St. George's Park, football.london understands. The Gunners were expected to bring at least one of the two players to Villa Park for the clash against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

Jesus has recently returned to first-team training following an extended spell on the sidelines. The 28-year-old striker suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Arsenal's defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup third round at the start of the year.

He had been enjoying a rich vein of form, scoring three goals in his previous four Premier League games. Jesus has since returned to action at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, earning himself a place in the matchday squad against Chelsea and Brentford.

At the end of November, Arteta provided an update on the Brazil international's situation. Speaking to reporters ahead of the 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, the Arsenal boss said: "Very good.

"He's doing everything with the team at the moment for the last almost two weeks. We're going to give him some exposure as well internally with some games, so he gets that fitness. But he looks really good in training, and he's going to be a big addition to the team."

Then, a couple of days later, Arteta confirmed he and Ethan Nwaneri took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly. The Spaniard said: "It did happen. Gabi participated, and Ethan as well, because he wanted some minutes.

"We took the opportunity; they wanted a bit of exposure to competition, and providing that was very positive."

As for Dowman, he's rarely featured for Arsenal this season. The 15-year-old midfielder enjoyed a couple of cameo appearances at the start of the campaign, becoming the second-youngest player in the club's and Premier League history.

Speaking to the BBC after Dowman made his senior debut – at 15 years, 235 days – against Leeds United, Arteta said: "Very proud. Big credit to the academy and to everyone who has contributed to that journey.

"The families, hopefully they lived a beautiful day. The maturity and confidence and the joy he provides to the rest of the team is magnificent.

"Let's do it naturally and organically. We have to look after him and make sure we protect him as well."

Shortly after etching his name into the history books, Dowman was given another brief cameo off the bench in the 1-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield. He hasn't featured in the English top-flight since.