Raheem Sterling’s season-long loan from Chelsea to Arsenal was expected to reignite his career.
Yet, the former Manchester City star has found himself on the sidelines more often than not. Sterling has made just four starts across all competitions this season, and two of those came in Carabao Cup matches against lower-league teams.
Arsenal’s current injury crisis is partly to blame. Five key defenders — Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Riccardo Calafiori — are out injured, forcing head coach Mikel Arteta to make tactical adjustments during games.
These changes have often left Sterling without the opportunities he needs to make an impact.
MORE: All the latest Arsenal news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings
What Mikel Arteta said on the Sterling situation
Speaking to reporters, Arteta admitted it has been “very difficult” for him to give Sterling more minutes. He revealed that most of his substitutions this season have been driven by the need to manage injuries or prevent further ones.
“There’s been moments. It’s been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven’t given him more,” Arteta explained.
The Arsenal boss also praised Sterling’s professionalism and his influence in the dressing room.
“He’s absolutely desperate to play. He had this very important role, impacting every game, and suddenly you are in this position for a while. Not just here but at Chelsea as well. So it’s always very difficult, and I feel a lot of sympathy for players when they are in this moment.”
Arteta remains hopeful that Sterling’s role will grow as the season progresses, adding, “I would like him to play much more as I think he can impact the team in a very good way.”
For now, Sterling and Arsenal will focus on their upcoming clash with Everton. The Gunners are third in the Premier League table, six points behind league leaders Liverpool, and will need every player to step up if they hope to close the gap.
