Arsenal teenager Max Dowman takes GCSEs after Premier League title win
Sixteen-year-old Arsenal prospect Max Dowman was forced to miss training to sit his GCSE exams just two days after becoming the youngest player in history to win the Premier League.
The Gunners secured their first domestic championship in 22 years on Tuesday evening when title rivals Manchester City were held to a draw at Bournemouth.
While his team-mates returned to the training pitch on Thursday, the record-breaking teenager was instead engaged in the examination hall.
European final preparations
The newly crowned champions are now preparing for their final domestic fixture away to Crystal Palace this Sunday.
Focus will quickly shift towards completing a remarkable double when they face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday, 30 May.
A celebratory trophy parade around Islington is already scheduled for the following day.
Academic commitments amid historic run
It remains unconfirmed exactly which subjects the young midfielder is studying during this intense sporting period.
However, the national GCSE timetable for this week includes papers in English language, business, economics and physical education.
The scheduling gods have smiled upon the academy graduate, as next week’s school half-term break will allow him to focus entirely on the looming European showdown.
Merino returns from injury
In a further boost for the North London club, seasoned midfielder Mikel Merino has finally resumed full training.
The 27-year-old has been sidelined since the end of January after suffering a severe long-term foot injury.