Arteta explains real reason Raheem Sterling hasn’t played more

Mikel Arteta has acknowledged Raheem Sterling’s limited playing time at Arsenal this season, admitting it has been a “very difficult” decision to sideline the former England forward.

Sterling, brought in on a season-long loan from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, has found opportunities hard to come by at the Emirates, with the emergence of Arsenal’s young talent further blocking his path to more minutes.

Sterling has made just two starts for Arsenal since his arrival, playing half his minutes in the Carabao Cup.

Arteta attributed this situation to circumstances beyond tactical considerations.

“It’s been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven’t given him more [playing time],” Arteta said. “When he hasn’t started the games, 90 per cent 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.”

Sterling joined Arsenal seeking a fresh start after a difficult spell at Chelsea, but his move has coincided with the rise of Arsenal’s Hale End academy graduates, who have been given significant opportunities by Arteta.

Teenagers Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have seized their chances in recent weeks, further complicating Sterling’s quest for minutes.

“Sometimes you get a lot of players come through in the same position,” Arteta explained. “They need time in the squad, they need a role in the squad, and then it is when you throw a player in.”

The competition for attacking roles has been fierce, with Arsenal’s young players thriving under Arteta’s guidance. Sterling, now 30, finds himself in the position of fighting for a place among a squad brimming with youth and promise.

Arteta expressed empathy for Sterling’s situation but maintained that squad dynamics and managing player fitness have dictated his decisions. “It’s always very difficult, and I feel a lot of sympathy for players when they are in this moment,” Arteta said. “Hopefully we can change it.”

For Sterling, time is running out to make a significant impact during his loan spell. Arsenal’s congested fixture schedule offers potential openings, but whether those translate into meaningful minutes for the winger remains uncertain.