The City winger withdrew from the national squad ahead of their October internationals earlier this month as a precaution after reporting a slight issue with his hamstring.
Reflecting on the fitness issue, Sterling to the pointed intense schedule caused by the late extended finish to the 2019/20 season and quick start into the 2020/21 campaign with virtually no break and little pre-season preparation.
But having resumed training at the CFA, the 25-year-old added that he was feeling good to go again.
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“Coming back from Portugal then starting with the national team before the season started with the Premier League, not having a great pre-season... I think we probably had three or four days, probably a week, maximum a week and I was straight back into it,” Sterling recalled.
“I wasn’t in the best of conditions and I had a little niggle with my hamstring and I’m getting back to full fitness.
“I should be OK and I feel fine to play against Arsenal.”
The clash against Mike Arteta’s Gunners offers City the chance to get back to winning ways in the league after a loss at home to Leicester was followed by a 1-1 draw at Leeds last time out.
With Pep Guardiola’s side having played a game less than the majority of our rivals, it means we are currently in mid-table in the early standings.
However, Sterling believes Saturday’s tea-time encounter offers the perfect platform for City to ‘kick-start’ our season.
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“I think the most important thing is that we know the start we have had,” Sterling added.
“The game against Arsenal is a great game to kick start the season and get a good result.
“Nothing changes, this is football, you’ve seen the results already from the opening games in the Premier League.
“We know it’s going to be a long season, without the fans, but it’s one that we are relishing the challenge.”
