Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged Raheem Sterling to step up following Kai Havertz’ season-ending injury.
Wright has called on the struggling loan star to ‘buckle down’ and seize his opportunity amid Arsenal’s attacking injury crisis.
With Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes hanging in the balance, Wright believes Sterling must prove his worth, starting with the Gunners’ upcoming clash against Leicester City.
Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard are the only two senior attackers Arsenal have fit right now 😮 pic.twitter.com/CteyRaPZ5p
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) February 12, 2025
Sterling’s Struggles at Arsenal
Since joining Arsenal on a season-long loan from Chelsea, Sterling has struggled to make an impact, registering just one goal and two assists across 18 games.
His limited playing time under Mikel Arteta, coupled with injury setbacks, has drawn criticism from both fans and pundits.
Speaking on Stick to Football, Wright called for Sterling to step up, saying, “The opportunity has arisen for him. This is the time where he should buckle down and say, ‘I have to make this work’ – otherwise, he’ll go out with a whimper.”
Wright also pointed to Sterling’s brief but impactful cameo against Manchester United as an example of what the winger is capable of when given the chance.
With Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus also sidelined for the Gunners, Arteta will have to reshuffle his front line and there will be expectations on Sterling to deliver.
Saka injured.
Havertz injured.
Jesus injured.
Martinelli injured.Don’t worry Arsenal fans, this is where Sterling comes in❤️ pic.twitter.com/tQVhrIQUYO
— Trey (@UTDTrey) February 12, 2025
Sterling’s Influence Off the Pitch
Despite his on-field struggles, Sterling remains a respected figure in the Arsenal dressing room.
A four-time Premier League winner with Manchester City, he brings valuable experience to a squad vying for its first league title in 21 years.
Although there was speculation about a return to Chelsea in January, Sterling was keen to stay at Arsenal and fight for silverware.
Will Arsenal Sign Sterling Permanently?
Despite his pedigree, Sterling’s struggles raise doubts about whether Arsenal will make his loan move permanent.
Wright, for one, remains skeptical: “Raheem is having a tough time. The way it looks, you get the impression that we’re not going to sign him long-term.”
With the title race heating up, Sterling’s next few performances could determine both his Arsenal future and the Gunners’ Premier League aspirations.
