Raheem Sterling is not in the Arsenal squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The England international joined the Gunners on loan from Chelsea on transfer deadline day but he has struggled to make an impression under Mikel Arteta.
Sterling made a rare start in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Palace but was substituted midway through the second half.
The 30-year-old would at least have expected to make the bench this afternoon but, according to Arteta, the former Liverpool and Manchester City star suffered an injury in training.
Raheem unfortunately we lost him yesterday he felt something in training and he had to come off,’said Arteta before the game when asked to explain Sterling’ absence.
‘We need to explore that with more tests.’
Declan Rice, meanwhile, returned to the bench after he was forced off against Everton last weekend with an injury and missed the cup win against the Eagles.
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Arteta added: Dec only had one training session that’s why he’s on the bench but good we have him available.’
Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, kept his pace up front following his midweek hat-trick which meant Kai Havertz, recalled to the starting line-up, was asked to play in a deeper midfield position.
‘It was quite easy (a decision to make) the way they performed, the way he scored his goals the way he brought something to the team as well and he deserves to play again.’
More to follow…