Mikel Arteta claimed it was difficult for him not to give Raheem Sterling more playing time at Arsenal because the striker was “desperate to play”.
Sterling joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea late in the summer transfer window.
However, the 30-year-old has only managed four starts for the Gunners so far, scoring 10 times overall in all competitions.
He scored one goal and provided two assists in a total of 356 minutes of action, but Arteta, who worked with Sterling at Manchester City, wants to give the forward more playing time.
“It was tough and also very difficult for me to accept that I didn't give him more [minutes],” Arteta told reporters.
Sterling was subbed off in three of the four games he started, including after 37 minutes of October's Premier League defeat at Bournemouth when William Saliba was sent off.
“If he hasn't started the games yet, 90% of the subs I make are about saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries,” Arteta added. “They are not tactical reasons.”
“I would like him to play a lot more because I think he can influence the team in a very good way. He is very good in the dressing room and is absolutely desperate to play.”
“He has played a very important role and suddenly you are in this position, not only here, but also when he was at Chelsea.
“I feel a lot of sympathy for players when they are in this moment and hopefully we can change that.”
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