Mikel Arteta reveals the real reason why Raheem Sterling has not played more games at Arsenal

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On summer transfer deadline day, Arsenal stayed up until the late hours sealing a loan deal for winger Raheem Sterling from Chelsea.

It was a move that had been touted for a few days prior to the deadline but seemed unlikely, though things moved quickly with Edu Gaspar, Mikel Arteta and his team.

By the end of the night, Raheem Sterling signed for Arsenal in a loan switch that seemed to have very little downside to he Gunners.

Since then though, the 29-year-old has made just nine appearances across all competitions with a handful of starts to his name.

It has left some Arsenal fans baffled, though the manager has since revealed the real reason Sterling hasn’t featured as much.

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Why Raheem Sterling hasn’t been playing for Arsenal

There was some expectation that Sterling would play more for Arsenal, but he hasn’t done so in the first half of his loan from Chelsea.

While some have speculated different reasons why he may not have played, Arteta has discussed his reasoning.

Speaking to the press before his side’s clash with West Ham, he explained: “I would like to see him [Sterling] more. This is down to me.

“He’s trying his best. His application around the team has been exceptional.”

It suggests that Arteta hasn’t been as willing to throw him in as he perhaps should be, with criticisms already centring around the Arsenal boss’s lack of rotation and trust in squad depth.

With some big games coming up and an extremely busy fixture schedule, there is an expectation that the squad will get their chances.

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Which Arsenal games could Raheem Sterling play in?

The upcoming month of action will see Arsenal heavily feature in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup competitions.

With Bukayo Saka still at full fitness, it’s unlikely that Sterling would start any of the next three, but he may have time to make some appearances from the bench.

In the Champions League, there may be a slight chance to rotate, while Everton and a double-header against Crystal Palace also appear as ideal chances for the forward.

Ipswich, Brentford and Brighton come in quick succession, offering another chance for possible game time.

It remains to be seen exactly how much game time he is entrusted with though.