Raheem Sterling set for increased minutes as Arsenal battle injury setbacks | OneFootball

Raheem Sterling’s first-team opportunities have been at a premium since joining Arsenal on loan from Chelsea at the tail-end of the summer transfer window.

However, the former Liverpool and Manchester City forward could unexpectedly gain more minutes in the coming months after Arsenal suffered another injury concern.

Bukayo Saka picked up a minor fitness problem during England’s dismal 2-1 home defeat to Greece in the Nations League at Wembley Stadium on Thursday.

Per talkSPORT, interim boss Lee Carsley confirmed the Gunners winger’s physical condition requires further assessment after the game, handing Mikel Arteta another significant fitness blow.

Captain Martin Odegaard has been on the sidelines since the international break in September.

Despite broad expectations he’d soon return to action, the Norwegian playmaker has sustained another setback, delaying his recovery.

With Odegaard out and Saka facing a potential spell in the treatment room, Arsenal will likely need Sterling to rewind the clock as they bid to keep up with the early Premier League title pace.

Sterling made his first league start for Arsenal on the stroke of October’s international break but failed to impress during his 60 minutes on the pitch against Southampton.

However, Arteta’s team maintained their unbeaten league start with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory to stay within touching distance of early pacesetters Liverpool.

Odegaard’s injury hasn’t affected Arsenal’s prolificacy in front of goal.

They have scored at least two in five of their seven top-flight outings this season, largely thanks to Saka’s unrivalled playmaking skills.

Saka leads the Premier League assist charts with seven, highlighting his significance to Arteta’s offensive set-up.

If the English winger fails to recover for the Gunners’ upcoming trip to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth, Sterling will likely fill the void.

It’s been a while since the ex-England international was relevant in the top flight, but now would be a perfect time for him to rediscover his form.