Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hinted at when Deadline Day signing Raheem Sterling could make his debut.
The Gunners left it incredibly late to get a deal for Sterling over the line at the end of the summer transfer window, eventually striking an agreement with Chelsea.
Arteta will reunite with the winger at Arsenal after working with him at Manchester City, with a season long-loan in place for the 29-year-old.
Sterling was in attendance at the Emirates during Arsenal’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Brighton, unable to play a part due to not being registered in time.
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When Raheem Sterling could make his Arsenal debut
After the game, Arteta was quizzed on a number of topics that arose over the afternoon, none more prominent than Declan Rice’s red card.
The manager was asked about the issue he faces in midfield in the build-up to Arsenal’s clash with Tottenham after the international break, leading into the question over Sterling’s possible involvement.
“We have to see him, speak to him about what he’s been doing and how he’s feeling about it and try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quickly as possible,” Arteta explained in the press conference.
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“[We need] For him to understand what we are looking for from him in the dynamics of the team. We will use that time to do that and get him involved as soon as possible.”
Fortunately, the international break separates the lows of Arsenal’s draw with Brighton and the eagerly anticipated North London derby, with there an opportunity for Sterling to get familiar with his new surroundings.
North London Derby could be the perfect introduction for Sterling
What better way to introduce yourself to Arsenal than to impress on your debut against Spurs.
Such could be the making of Sterling’s dreams in the coming weeks as the Gunners countdown to their clash in N17 on September 15th.
As Arteta stressed, it’s imperative that the 29-year-old is understanding of his role in the current Arsenal squad, with work to be done to get him up to speed after making the move from Chelsea.
After seeing his side’s performance against Brighton on Saturday afternoon, the boss may find himself even more hopeful of Sterling’s involvement against Spurs, with questions to be asked in attack.
Only time will truly tell how much of a part the England international will play in the North London derby, a game where the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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