Mikel Arteta has admitted his regret at not giving enough minutes to Raheem Sterling despite Arsenal's frontline struggles.
The Chelsea loanee, who signed on deadline day, has only made four starts for the Gunners this season, playing just 356 minutes in all competitions.
Sterling has been used sparingly by Arteta since his arrival on loan from London rivals Chelsea
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Sterling has been used sparingly by Arteta since his arrival on loan from London rivals ChelseaCredit: Getty
Prior to Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Everton on Saturday, Arteta revealed his reasoning behind Sterling's bit-part role.
The manager said: “There’s been moments. It’s been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven’t given him more.
“When he hasn’t started the games, 90 per cent of the subs that I make are related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries. It’s not for tactical reasons.
“I would like him to play much more as I think he can impact the team in a very good way. He’s very good in the dressing room and is absolutely desperate to play.
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“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. Hopefully we can change it.”
The Gunners have been hit with a backline injury crisis with five players currently out, all being defenders.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori are all unavailable.
The manager cited it as a reason Sterling has not made a significant impact, but it is not only injuries that have seen the England winger snubbed.
Sterling started against Bournemouth in October but was substituted in the 37th minute for Jakub Kiwior following William Saliba’s red card.
Raheem Sterling's Premier League stats for Arsenal this season
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Raheem Sterling's Premier League stats for Arsenal this seasonCredit: talkSPORT
The 30-year-old was sacrificed to plug the hole in their back-four, but with hindsight you could say the move backfired.
In a match where Arsenal struggled, Sterling was energetic, attempting to take on his full back and create for his teammates.
And his substitution was a blow to the Gunners' attacking output, with Bournemouth eventually claiming a surprise 2-0 victory over the title contenders.
Sterling has featured heavily in the Carabao Cup, starting both games and specifically impressing against Bolton.
The 30-year-old scored in that game and also set up Ethan Nwaneri to score his first goal for Arsenal at 17-years-old.
Arsenal fans criticised former sporting director Edu Gaspar for not being able to sign a marquee forward such as Nico Williams or Benjamin Sesko.
Sterling celebrates after scoring against Bolton
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Sterling celebrates after scoring against BoltonCredit: Getty
Arteta has admitted his regret that Sterling has not played more in an Arsenal shirt
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Arteta has admitted his regret that Sterling has not played more in an Arsenal shirtCredit: Getty
The problem has only been exacerbated throughout the opening months of the 2024/25 campaign by the team’s wastefulness in front of goal at times.
Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have struggled with three league goals apiece, but Sterling remains behind them in the pecking order.
An unusual situation, considering Arteta was the assistant coach at Manchester City during Sterling’s prime.
Fans hoped he could revive the winger’s form, but the Spaniard has barely given Sterling a chance.