Mikel Arteta has admitted his regret at not giving enough minutes to Raheem Sterling despite Arsenal’s frontline struggles.
Sterling, who signed on deadline day, has only made four starts for the Gunners this season, playing just 356 minutes in all competitions.
Prior to Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Everton on Saturday, Arteta revealed his reasoning behind Sterling’s bit-part role.
“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 (via talkSPORT.
“When he hasn’t started the games, 90 per cent of the subs that I make are related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries. It’s not for 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.”
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