Arsenal's 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.
Mikel Arteta is missing Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal struggle for creativity and cutting edge domestically. Now, he will also be without the services of Raheem Sterling for the weekend affair.
Here's why the England international won't feature against Chelsea.
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 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 named 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 be twiddling his thumbs for the next fortnight. Unsurprisingly, he was not named among the travelling party in Thomas Tuchel's first England squad for the March international break, meaning he won't enjoy any first-team action until the beginning of April.
Arsenal return from the international period looking to avoid any slip-ups on April Fools' Day when they host Fulham in the Premier League. The midweek clash is swiftly followed by a far from straightforward trip to Everton the following weekend.
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