Since joining from Chelsea, the Winger has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter but remains determined to secure a spot in the team.
Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Raheem Sterling’s limited playing time at Arsenal, claiming that Sterling is “not in Mikel Arteta’s plans.” Sagna, who played for Arsenal from 2007 to 2014, believes that Sterling’s lack of game time is a clear indication of his diminished role in the team.
Sterling joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Chelsea in the summer, but has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. Despite his efforts, he has started only four games across all competitions and has often found himself on the bench.
Sagna’s comments come after Arteta admitted that it has been “very difficult” to give Sterling more minutes due to tactical reasons and the need to manage injuries. However, Sagna is skeptical of this explanation, suggesting that Sterling’s absence from the starting lineup is a deliberate decision by Arteta.
“Raheem is a fantastic player, but if he’s not in the plans, it’s tough for him,” Sagna told Sky Sports. “I think Arteta has his preferred lineup and Sterling doesn’t fit into that at the moment.”
Sterling, who has one goal and two assists in his 10 appearances for Arsenal, remains determined to prove his worth and earn a place in the team. Despite the challenges, he has decided to stay at Arsenal and fight for his spot rather than cut his loan short.
Raheem Sterling Not Seeking January Exit – Reports
Despite a challenging start to his Gunners career, Raheem Sterling does not intend to cut his loan short, according to Standard Sport. The Chelsea loanee is reportedly determined to force his way into the team, especially considering Gabriel Martinelli’s recent poor performances.
Sterling has made it clear that he has no plans to leave Arsenal in the January transfer window to seek more regular football elsewhere. He remains part of Mikel Arteta’s plans and is committed to earning his place in the starting lineup.
Arteta, who worked with Sterling during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, has been transparent with the winger about his situation. Sterling appreciates the honesty and understands the manager’s decisions. Arteta recently praised Sterling’s attitude, saying, “He’s very good in the dressing room and is absolutely desperate to play.”
The Arsenal manager also clarified that Sterling’s limited playing time is primarily due to managing minutes and avoiding injuries, rather than tactical reasons. “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,” Arteta explained.
Sterling’s determination to fight for his place and Arteta’s faith in his abilities suggest that the winger could still play a significant role for Arsenal as the season progresses.
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