Mikel Arteta reveals why Raheem Sterling has struggled for playing time as Arsenal boss insists it is NOT down to 'tactical reasons'

Mikel Arteta has insisted that Raheem Sterling’s sporadic playing time at Arsenal is not due to tactical reasons.

The Englishman has started just four games since re-uniting with his former Man City coach on a season-long loan from Chelsea in the summer.

Sterling has played just 146 minutes across six Premier League games this season and has failed to score in this time. His only goal contribution was an assist to Ethan Nwaneri in the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest last month.

Speaking on Friday ahead of Arsenal’s game against Everton, Arteta explained that he would like to play Sterling more and revealed that the former Ballon d’Or nominee is desperate to feature more often.

‘There’s been moments. It’s been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven’t given him more,’ Arteta said on Friday.

‘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.

His only goal for Arsenal came in a 5-1 win over Bolton in the third round of the Carabao Cup

Mikel Arteta explained that the 30-year-old has been a role model in Arsenal’s dressing room 

‘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.

‘He’s very good in the dressing room and is absolutely desperate to play. He had this very important role, impacting every game, and suddenly you are in this position for a while.

‘Not just here but at Chelsea as well. So it’s always very difficult and I feel a lot of sympathy for players when they are in this moment. Hopefully we can change it.’

Ahead of Sterling in the pecking order of Arsenal’s fluid front three is Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus.

In recent weeks, 17-year-old academy graduate Nwaneri has been phased into the squad and has even made more league appearances than Sterling this season.

Also breaking into the first team is fellow Hale End product Myles Lewis-Skelly, who made his debut at left back against City in September. 

Arteta seemingly hinted that Sterling’s lack of game time is due to Arsenal’s strong youth prospects earning minutes in the senior squad.

‘The academy historically has been very, very successful and strong but there are moments as well. Sometimes you get a lot of players come through in the same position,’ he said.