Mikel Arteta has admitted struggling to find minutes for Raheem Sterling at Arsenal because of the need to manage a number of fitness issues plaguing his squad.
Sterling vowed fans would “see the best” of him after his surprise loan switch from Chelsea but has seen just 356 minutes of action across ten appearances in all competitions. He has played more than one half of Premier League football just once so far.
Acknowledging that the situation has not been ideal for Sterling, Arteta insisted there have been too many fitness issues in his squad to be able to give the winger minutes.
“There’s been moments,” he said. “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% of the subs that I make is related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries. It’s not 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.
“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.”
Sterling’s loan from Chelsea is believed to be financially favourable to Arsenal. The Gunners paid no loan fee to sign the winger and are also claimed to be paying less than half of his wages, with Chelsea keen to get as much of his salary off the books as possible.
The agreement does not include an option for a future transfer, with Sterling set to return to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
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