Former Premier League manager and player Gus Poyet has said that Mikel Arteta will have spoken to Raheem Sterling about needing him amid Kai Havertz’s injury. 

Arsenal striker Havertz suffered a season-ending injury earlier in February during a warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

It has left the Gunners without a striker for the remainder of the season, and with injuries to Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka – Arteta’s options in attack are limited.

In their last game against Leicester City, Arsenal played a front three of Leandro Trossard, Ethan Nwaneri and Raheem Sterling. The latter is expected to get a much better run in the starting XI for the remainder of the season.

Former Chelsea and Spurs midfielder Poyet told GoonerNews exclusively via Makthavare.se: “I don’t know the conversation that Sterling had with Arteta. We don’t know what was said, why he was moving there, if it was [to be] a support player or if he had the possibility to play.”

Poyet suggested that if he was in Arteta’s position, he would have told Sterling to make sure he is ready to come in for Arsenal.

“When I talk to a player, I’m honest and I’m telling what I’m expecting. You may have to wait for a chance. And now if you have the opportunity, now we need you ‘be ready’, maybe tomorrow.

“So I think he’s a player at his age with experience that he’s going to be ready [to play]. For me, you never know, but I think he’s ready. Let’s wait and see what will happen with him.”

Mikel Arteta could choose to play Merino over Sterling

In their last game, Arsenal won 2-0 with Sterling starting the game, however both goals were scored after Sterling was benched in favour of Mikel Merino.

The Spanish midfielder came on and scored both goals whilst playing as a false nine striker. After the performance from Merino, Arteta could choose him in the Gunners’ next game.

Arsenal play Graham Potter’s West Ham next time out, it remains to be seen if Sterling or indeed Merino will start the game at the Emirates.