Mikel Arteta claimed it has been difficult for him to not give Raheem Sterling more game time at Arsenal, with the attacker "desperate to play".

Sterling joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea late in the summer transfer window.

However, the 30-year-old has so far managed just four starts for the Gunners, featuring 10 times overall in all competitions.

He has scored one goal and provided two assists in 356 minutes of action in total, but Arteta, who worked with Sterling at Manchester City, wants to hand the forward more playing time.

"It's been tough and very difficult for me as well to accept that I haven't given him more [minutes]," Arteta told reporters.

Sterling has been subbed off in three of the four matches he has started, including after 37 minutes of October's Premier League defeat at Bournemouth when William Saliba was sent off.

"When he hasn't started the games, 90% of the subs that I make is related to saving minutes or because of injuries or avoiding injuries," Arteta added. "It's not tactical reasons."

"I would like him to play much more as I think he can impact the team in a very good way. He's very good in the dressing room and is absolutely desperate to play.

"He has had a very important role and suddenly you are in this position, not only here but when he was at Chelsea as well.

"I feel a lot of sympathy for players when they are in this moment and hopefully we can change it."