Van Persie quickly dismissed suggestions of Sterling being dropped on a permanent basis, instead pointing to a lack of sharpness and a minor training incident. The head coach emphasised the need for physical readiness in a squad currently hampered by several fitness questions ahead of the season's final stretch.
Explaining his decision to leave the former England international out of the starting XI, Van Persie toldESPN: "No, Raheem hasn't been completely fresh these past few days. He also had a moment in training. So that is a physical reason. Tobias has done very well since joining us. He is good on the ball, physically strong, and has earned his chance. There were a lot of players we didn't know if they could be there or could start."