Arsenal resumes training as Max Dowman misses session for GCSEs

Arsenal returned to training on Thursday, two days after clinching their first Premier League title in 22 years, with teenage midfielder Max Dowman absent due to his ongoing GCSE examinations. The 16-year-old, who has made five league appearances this season, is now the youngest player ever to win the Premier League.

The club’s status as champions was confirmed on Tuesday when Manchester City drew at Bournemouth, rendering Arsenal’s final match away to Crystal Palace on Sunday a celebratory occasion. The team will receive a guard of honour and be presented with the trophy at Selhurst Park. Attention then turns to the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 30.

Dowman’s absence from the session was attributed to his academic commitments, with the GCSE exam period running through late May and June. His record-breaking campaign saw him become the Premier League’s youngest-ever scorer in March, netting in a 2-0 win over Everton at 16 years and 73 days old. By the season's end, he will be 16 years and 144 days old, surpassing the previous record held by Manchester City’s Phil Foden.

Several other players were also missing from the open portion of training. Bukayo...