Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his desire to give Raheem Sterling more playing time as the team enters a busy festive fixture schedule.
Sterling, on loan from Chelsea, has struggled for minutes since his August move, making only two Premier League starts and two League Cup appearances.
The 30-year-old’s last league start came in Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Bournemouth in October, followed by just 23 minutes of action across two substitute appearances.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s home clash with Everton, Arteta acknowledged the forward’s frustrations. “It’s been tough and very difficult for me to accept that I haven’t given him more,” Arteta said. “I’d like him to play much more because I think he can impact the team in a very good way.”
Arteta attributed Sterling’s limited game time not to tactical decisions but to managing injuries and player workloads. The Arsenal boss praised Sterling’s attitude, noting his influence in the dressing room and his determination to contribute on the pitch.
