“Back quite soon” Mikel Arteta gives encouraging winger injury update

Mikel Arteta has delivered encouraging news about Raheem Sterling, suggesting the winger’s return from a knee injury could come sooner than initially expected.

Sterling, who missed Arsenal’s recent match against Ipswich Town, has shown promising signs of recovery, alleviating fears of a lengthy absence.

“The news with Raz, I think it’s better,” Arteta said after the game against Ipswich. “We have to see this week how he evolves. But we expected the knee injury to probably take longer than actually the way the knee is evolving in the last few days. So, hopefully that’s good because we need him.”

Ahead of Arsenal’s game against Brentford on New Year’s Day, Arteta highlighted Sterling’s determination to get back on the pitch and how he could be back ‘quite soon’.

Reflecting on the timing of the injury, he said: “He was gutted because he had a good game against Palace, he could’ve scored two goals, he made an assist, and in the end he got injured after one of the training sessions. That was his opportunity because naturally, he would have played in that position but, knowing Raheem, I think he will be back quite soon.”

Sterling’s return would provide a crucial boost for Arsenal, particularly as they prepare for a busy stretch of fixtures. They play nine games in January (Brentford, Brighton, Newcastle, Man United, Spurs, Villa, Dinamo Zagreb, Wolves and Girona).