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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta shares what he has planned for Raheem Sterling in wake of Kai Havertz injury

Giuseppe Labellarte

Sat 15 February 2025 6:45, UK

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has just three fit forwards for the foreseeable future in wake of a spate of injuries to their main attacking stars.

Arsenal are set to be without Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz until next season, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are also on the sidelines.

Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri are the only forward players Arteta currently has at his disposal.

Up next for Arsenal is Saturday’s Premier League trip to Leicester City and, speaking ahead of the match, Arteta shared what he has planned for Sterling.

READ MORE: When Bukayo Saka is now expected to return for Arsenal in wake of Kai Havertz injury

Raheem Sterling will ‘certainly’ be more involved for Arsenal in coming weeks

Arteta said Sterling had been “much more involved” in training and suggested that he would indeed be featuring more often in games.

“You don’t have to be very creative with the options that we have,” Arteta told when asked about whether anything was ruled out in attack. “I’m sure you’re going to get it right.”

Arteta was then questioned on Sterling’s chance to shine, and he replied: “Yeah, and for other players as well. And for Leo probably to play in two or three different positions.

“So it’s between all of us. We have mentioned that many times. It’s adding value from different players.

“Probably being a little bit different in what we have to be with adapting to the qualities and the strengths of our players and go for it. The spirit is certainly the same.”

When asked specifically about Sterling’s previous lack of game time, Arteta said: “Well, he’s been much more involved recently as well, and he’s merited and he has earned the right to do so.

“And obviously now in terms of the minutes and availability we have with players, all the players are going to have more exposure and certainly Raheem will be one of them.”

How Sterling has fared at Arsenal so far

Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal was the big story of the summer’s transfer deadline day, with fans following the saga late into the night.

The England international joined Arsenal to much fanfare, but sadly it hasn’t really happened for him so far this season.

Sterling has made 18 appearances for Arsenal, but just eight of those have been starts, and his game time is yet to get past the 800-minute mark.

In addition, Sterling has only scored once, and is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League, though he has managed one assist in the competition.

Sterling will now need to step up along with Trossard and Nwaneri as the Gunners look to keep the pressure on leaders Liverpool at the top of the table.

Paul Merson reckons the current situation could indeed work in Sterling’s favour, claiming that the attacker has what it takes to make this opportunity count.

“Raheem Sterling has to step up for Arsenal now,” he wrote. “I know it has not gone according to plan for him, but I expect him to stand up and make his presence felt.

“He will get a consistent run of games due to the injuries at Arsenal and I believe he can make it count.

“Mikel Arteta could be like, ‘here are a few games for you, go out and play with freedom’, and I think that could work in favour of Sterling.

“Until Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli return from injury, it’s going to be Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri in attack. That is a lot of responsibility for these players.

“Also, Arsenal kick off early this weekend and that is a huge boost for them. By the time Liverpool play Wolves on Sunday, Arsenal will likely be just four points behind them.”