Manager Mikel Arteta has explained why Arsenal loanee Raheem Sterling has been used sparingly in the first few months of the season.
Arteta Sterling, who previously worked together at Manchester City, reunited in the summer and Arsenal signed the England international on loan.
The experienced winger has struggled to live up to expectations after leaving Manchester City to join Chelsea in a deal worth around £47m and considered to be beyond his summer requirements.
Sterling has been linked with several clubs but arsenal Signing him at the end of the summer transfer window as they are keen to bring in a replacement for Bukayo Saka.
The loanee has been a bit player for Arsenal as he has only made two starts in the Premier League and played just 146 minutes in the league.
Arteta insists Sterling’s lack of playing time is not due to “tactical reasons”.
“There were moments like this. It was difficult for me to accept that I didn’t give him more,” Arteta said.
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“When he hasn’t started the game, 90 per cent of my substitutions are to save time, either because of injuries or to avoid injuries. It’s not a tactical reason.
“I hope he plays more games because I think he can influence the team in a very good way. He’s very good in the dressing room and very eager to play.
“He plays a very important role and affects every game and suddenly you’ve been in this position for a while. Not just here but at Chelsea as well. So it’s always very difficult when players are in this moment and I I feel so much sympathy for them.”
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Sterling could join the squad in the coming months as Premier League sides increasingly struggle to cope with a congested schedule.
Arteta believes “new rules and regulations” can be provided to help clubs cope with the growing demands from both sides.
“It will be very restrictive and very much linked to new regulations and new rules,” Arteta admitted.
Arteta also admitted that shortening the length of matches from 90 minutes was an “option” to alleviate the problems faced by Premier League clubs.
“It’s a choice,” Arteta replied. “We’ve changed the Champions League format to play more games at home and away, so I think it’s a very real possibility.”
