Mikel Arteta has backed Arsenal teenager Max Dowman to learn from his red card against Fleetwood, while confirming four players could return for Sunday's Premier League match at Liverpool.
Dowman will begin a three-game ban at Anfield after the FA upheld his suspension for violent conduct. Arteta held face-to-face talks with the 16-year-old at the club's training ground on Thursday to move past the incident.
Arteta's message to Dowman
Arteta insisted the ordeal should not define the young midfielder, saying: "When you play for Arsenal, you're going to have highs and lows. You have to be prepared for that. It doesn't matter the age.
"So don't feel sorry for yourself. That happened. Those things happen. Make sure that you are humble enough to recognise that and to learn from it and work on it."
The Spaniard believes Dowman has the attributes to respond, adding: "He has the talent, he has the will and he has the capacity and the brain to do it. No question about that."
Protection for the teenager
Arteta also called for broader protection of the youngster, noting the unique nature of his situation: "I think we discussed a week ago how many players in the history of the Premier League have done what Max is doing and there isn't one.
"So it's something new and as new, we'll do things well, I will do things well, I will do things not so well, I will try to learn as quick as possible, protect him as much as possible."
Injury boost for Liverpool trip
While Dowman and Bukayo Saka will miss the match, Declan Rice, Christos Tzolis and Riccardo Calafiori are available after training on Friday. Noni Madueke is also in contention following an ankle issue.
Arteta challenged the England international to step up in Saka's absence: "He's getting closer [to reaching the next level] but he needs to do it and he needs to make that click and that's what the top elite players do."
Arteta, who played the last time Arsenal won at Anfield in the Premier League, is determined to end that record, saying: "Going there with full conviction, that's number one and we've been very, very close in the last few years to win.
"But something is missed and that we've been discussing the last few days, to go there with a real purpose to help them and get away from there with a victory."
