Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the club’s decision on Raheem Sterling’s loan contract, MySportDab reports.
Sterling joined Arsenal from London and domestic rivals Chelsea after falling off the pecking order in new manager Enzo Maresca’s squad.
While the move has seen the English winger return to footballing action away from the Maresca’s cold freeze at Chelsea, he has yet to nail down a regular spot in the team.
So far, the former Man City and Liverpool winger has made only 8 Premier League appearances for the club, mostly coming on from the bench, 3 in the EFL Cup, and 3 in the UEFA Champions League.
While he has breathe some semblance of life back to his career with the Gunners, the struggle to earn a regular spot has continued with reports the club may even be forced to end the loan deal this January.
Now, speaking in Wolves’ pre-match press conference, Arteta debunked reports the club will end their collaboration with Sterling.
In clear terms, the former Manchester City assistant boss stated that Sterling will be allowed to run out his loan contract with the club which is expected to expire at the end of the season.
“We’re not considering to terminate Raheem Sterling or Neto’s loans this month,” Fabrizio Romano quotes.
Arteta and Arsenal’s decision to retain Sterling till the end of the season is not a surprise with the team grappling with injuries to their key players.
Top-rated right-winger Bukayo Saka has been sidelined and is expected to be out for months. Recently, another attacking midfielder Gabriel Jesus joined the piling injury list.
With scores of crippling injury blows, Sterling is expected to take on a bigger role in the squad pending the return of the aforementioned players.
