Mikel Arteta feels sorry for struggling Arsenal star and admits 'it's very difficult'

Mikel Arteta has shouldered the blame for Raheem Sterling’s struggle to secure a regular spot in Arsenal’s starting eleven, admitting it’s been a challenge not giving him more game time.

The former England winger, who joined on loan from Chelsea in the summer, has found himself on the fringes at the Emirates, with his last start back in mid-October.

Despite a packed schedule and another chance against Everton on Saturday, Sterling may have to wait yet again, especially with young talents like Ethan Nwaneri emerging.

Arteta expressed his regret, saying: “It’s been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven’t given him more.

“When he hasn’t started the games, 90 per cent of the subs that I make is related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries.

“It’s not tactical reasons. I would like him to play much more as I think he can impact the team in a very good way.”

At 30, Sterling’s contributions at Arsenal have been limited, with a significant portion of his minutes coming in the Carabao Cup, which mirrored his time with Chelsea last season.

AArteta has expressed his sympathy for players not getting enough game time, saying, “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.”

Despite limited starts, the emergence of Hale End academy stars like Bukayo Saka, and more recently teenagers Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, has been a silver lining.

Lewis-Skelly particularly caught the eye with an impressive full debut in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Monaco.

Arteta said: “The academy historically has been very, very successful and strong but there are moments as well. Sometimes you get a lot of players come through in the same position.

“They need time in the squad, they need a role in the squad, and then it is when you throw a player in. That is the key. They can be ready but the context in that team, dressing room, moment is not right.

“Now the work has been done and it is exceptional what everybody has done and now they have the right environment and they are prepared and the jump is so big, from what you ask from them in the Premier League to the Champions League.

“It is a huge step. But they are showing they are capable of doing it.”