Arsenal 2025/26 Champions League squad confirmed. Gabriel Jesus are removed and Youth are promoted. Officially, Arsenal have submitted their 25-man List A squad for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase, featuring major omissions, promising inclusions, and a mix of experienced new signings. One major no-show is striker Gabriel Jesus who is not a part while he continues to recover from knee surgery. 15-year-old midfielder Max Dowman also joins the exciting list of senior players.
Squad Composition and Key Absences
Under UEFA rules, Article 45 of the regulations requires List A teams to have a minimum of eight locally trained players, with a maximum of four being association trained. Arsenal’s squad can list three goalkeepers, seven defenders, ten midfielders, and three forwards. Arsenal registered some good new signings like striker Viktor Gyökeres, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, defenders Piero Hincapie and Cristian Mosquera, midfielder Mart’in Zubimendi, and winger Noni Madueke. But, with Jesus unavailable, it showed that the club was being cautious with his fitness, and the extent of the time frame of his return was in the dark.
Youth Emphasis and List B Flexibility
The squad will also include Dowman, who performed strongly in the pre-season, indicating Arsenal’s desire to embrace youth. For example, very highly rated academy prospects Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly do not require List A registration and therefore will appear on List B, which allows unlimited under-21 players who meet eligibility requirements. This approach provides tactical flexibility for manager Mikel Arteta, as List B will go updated before each match.
Strategic Implications
Arsenal’s roster represents a combination of some experienced signings and youth development. The defense has gained depth through Mosquera and Hincapic along with Saliba. But, Gabriel is already getting recognition for his performances. In the midfield, Zubimendi and Eze got their position as creative and control accompaniments, and Gyökeres leads the attack with Saka and Martinelli. The loss of Jesus is a case of recognizing losses. It also represents the need for a ready squad during the long nature of the league.
Looking Ahead
List A can amended prior to the Round of 16 in February 2026, to include up to three new players. This allows for Jesus possibly returning after his recovery or the addition of further players. Arsenal now have a mix of the experienced. The young and are looking to progress in the Champions League following their semi-final appearance last season.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
