Which youngsters could join Max Dowman on Arsenal’s first-team pre-season tour?

The Arsenal first-team commenced pre-season training yesterday, with Max Dowman the only academy player pictured with the squad.

It has long been expected that the hugely talented 15-year-old will travel with the senior squad for their upcoming tour of Singapore and Hong Kong, during which they will play games against AC Milan, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Given that Arsenal still have quite a small squad overall and that there are some injury doubts, there may be openings for two or three other academy players to be involved with Mikel Arteta’s squad in the next few weeks.

Goalkeepers

David Raya and new signing Kepa Arrizabalaga will be the first and second choice goalkeepers respectively.

Karl Hein is back from his loan spell at Real Valladolid but could be a candidate for a permanent departure.

Tommy Setford has been given some time off after his involvement at the U19 European Championship but could still travel with the first-team.

Alexei Rojas and Lucas Nygaard could also be in contention if another space is available.

Defenders

Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly all trained.

Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber missed the end of last season through injury and it remains to be seen how much involvement they will have in pre-season.

There could potentially be a space available in the travelling squad for a young defender, with centre-back Maldini Kacurri possibly in contention.

Brayden Clarke and new first year scholar Marli Salmon, who can both play at centre-back or right-back, while Will Sweet is an option in the left-sided centre-back position. Josh Nichols could be considered at right-back.

Midfielders

The expected first-choice midfield of Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are all available and are expected to be joined soon by Christian Norgaard.

Albert Sambi Lokonga is back from loan and Dowman could have a prominent part to play. Zinchenko could also potentially be used in midfield if required so there might not be many openings for youngsters in this area of the pitch beyond Dowman.

Fabio Vieira has been given time off after featuring for Porto at the Club World Cup.

Attackers

Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are all fit, although Gabriel Jesus remains out and returning loanee Reiss Nelson may also still be sidelined.

Depending on how quickly deals can be finalised for attacking players, there could be some chances for youngsters.

Ismeal Kabia, who made his senior debut against Bolton in the Carabao Cup last season, is an option on the right wing.

Versatile forward Andre Harriman-Annous could also come under consideration.

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In summary, Dowman is expected to be the main focus when it comes to academy players being involved with the first-team in pre-season.

However, there may be openings for others such as a goalkeeper, a defender and possibly a winger and a forward.