Why Raheem Sterling can’t play for Arsenal against Chelsea

• Raheem Sterling is unavailable for selection this weekend
• 30-year-old won’t have the opportunity to face Chelsea
• Struggling winger finally found some form on Wednesday night

Arsenal threadbare forward line will be depleted further this weekend as they prepare to host Chelsea in the Premier League.

The Gunners face their London rivals on Sunday afternoon as they look to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool, although even winning their game in hand against the Blues will only see them move to within 12 points of top spot.

Why can’t Raheem Sterling play against Chelsea?

Sterling has been deployed sparingly this season and was even an unused substitute against Manchester United in the Premier League last weekend despite Arsenal needing to find a goal. The winger has seldom featured in high-profile games and won’t have the opportunity to change that on Sunday.

That’s because Sterling is currently on loan at Arsenal from Chelsea, with the Premier League stipulating that loanees can’t play against their parent clubs. The rule is applicable to all teams and players in the division.

Unfortunately for Sterling, he could have actually been in contention to face Chelsea given the impressive performance he offered during the Champions League last 16 second leg with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Arteta rotated his side given they สมัคร UFABET วันนี้ รับเครดิตฟรีสำหรับสมาชิกใหม่ were 7-1 up from the first meeting. With Sterling starting on the right-hand side of the makeshift front three. The 30-year-old served up two assists during the first half and was name Player of the Match in the 2-2 draw.

When will Raheem Sterling play next?

The opportunity to build some momentum will elude Sterling, who will now twiddling his thumbs for the next fortnight. Unsurprisingly. He was not name among the travelling party in Thomas Tuchel first England squad for the March international break. He won’t enjoy any first-team action until the beginning of April.