Sterling’s latest request at Arsenal shows commitment as he eyes derby debut | OneFootball

Arsenal summer loan signing Raheem Sterling wants to make his debut against Tottenham Hotspur, and he has asked to train throughout the next fortnight, according to the Evening Standard.

The players not on international duty are getting a break for a couple of days before training resumes, but he wants to use the coming days to build his fitness and study Arsenal’s patterns of play.

Sterling is hoping to be fully fit and ready when the Gunners resume Premier League action against Spurs on September 15.

The Englishman has not played any football since pre-season but has been working one-on-one with former England’s lead physical performance coach Ben Rosenblatt after he was asked to train away from the first team at Chelsea.

Sterling has been kept sharp by his personal trainer but he is eager to step things up after joining Arsenal, and manager Mikel Arteta wants to get him up to speed over the next two weeks.

The England international will not only be providing quality cover for the attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz but will be keen to force his way into the starting XI.

Sterling played some of his best football at Manchester City under the direct tutelage of Arteta, and their reunion could get the best of him again after both Pep Guardiola and Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca let him go.

He has what it takes to improve Arsenal in front of goal, and he could prove to be the missing piece of the puzzle in their attack.

Sterling watched the Gunners labour to a 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday and will be looking forward to showing what he can do on the pitch.