Mikel Arteta has very tough Raheem Sterling call to make after nightmare Arsenal setback

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta must decide whether to start Raheem Sterling in the north London derby after being hit with a nightmare setback ahead of the trip to Tottenham next Sunday. The Gunners will be without the suspended Declan Rice following his red card against Brighton last time out, while summer signing Mikel Merino is sidelined until mid-October after fracturing his shoulder during his first training session with the club.

Arteta is also sweating on the fitness of Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus, who has missed the last two Premier League matches with a groin injury.

And the Spaniard will be desperate to come up with the perfect solution after guiding his side to two wins and a draw in their opening three matches.

Arsenal landed Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea in the final moments of the summer transfer window. The England forward had become surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge but wasn’t registered in time for Arsenal’s clash with Brighton at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta could turn to Sterling for the short trip to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with his side aiming to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

And, according to GIVEMESPORT, the boss is toying with the idea of dropping Kai Havertz into midfield and allowing Sterling to lead the attack.

Sterling is said to be willing to do whatever it takes to succeed in his new surroundings and is confident of producing the goods wherever he plays. The 29-year-old is determined to contribute in the final third of the pitch and is adamant that he is capable of breaking into the forefront of Arteta’s plans.

The outlet have reported that Arsenal were able to secure Sterling’s signature without the need to fork out a loan fee and with an obligation to pay no more than half his wages due to the last-minute nature of the negotiations.

And there is a growing possibility that he will be named in the starting line-up against the Lilywhites.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting,” Sterling said after completing his switch to the Emirates Stadium. “It is one where we kind of left it late, but it’s one I was hoping for.

“Looking at everything, I’m just like, ‘This is a perfect fit for me’. And I’m super happy that we got it over the line.

“I spoke with [sporting director] Edu and I said you can see the real togetherness from Mikel’s time here and you see the journey the boys are on. You can see the hunger. And I keep saying again – the togetherness is something I’m looking to be a part of.”