Arsenal defender Pablo Mari returns to training at loan club Monza, two months after he was STABBED in a Milan supermarket and left ‘lucky’ to avoid life-threatening injuries
Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has returned to training at his loan club Monza – just months after he was stabbed during an attack at a supermarket in Milan.
The Spaniard was taken to hospital after being one of six people who were stabbed at the shopping centre in the Italian capital in October. One person died in the attack, with Mari told he was ‘lucky’ to avoid life-threatening injuries as he underwent surgery.
Mari went under the knife to reconstruct two injured muscles in his back – with the treatment forcing him out of action for two months.
Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has been pictured in training with his loan club Monza, two months after being stabbed
The Spaniard – on loan until the end of the season – said he was taking things ‘step by step’
Now he is gearing up for a return to the game after being pictured in a Monza training session, with the player claiming he is taking things ‘step by step’ after getting back out with a ball at his feet after posting pictures on Twitter.
Last month Mari was given an emotional reception before Monza’s clash against Hellas Verona as he came out onto the pitch to a standing ovation from fans – who saluted him while he sported a cast.
Writing an Instagram post from his hospital bed at the time of the incident, Mari thanked those who had shown him support.
Mari was given a rousing reception after being introduced to Monza fans during his recovery
Mari was one of six people who were involved in the attack – with one person killed
‘After the hard moment we experienced yesterday, both my family and I want to communicate that fortunately we are all fine despite the circumstances, and we want to thank all the messages of support and affection that we are receiving.
‘In addition, we want to send our condolences and all our strength to the family and friends of the deceased person, and we sincerely wish that all injured people recover as soon as possible.’
Mari joined Monza on a season long loan in August and had played eight times prior to the attack – scoring one goal.
The centre-back joined Arsenal from Flamengo in 2020 but has failed to nail down a regular place in Mikel Arteta’s team.
He played three times in his first season of 2019-20, and then made 16 appearances the following campaign in 2020-21. But in 2021-22 he went on loan to Udinese – where he played 15 times, and he clearly didn’t do enough to win Arteta over as he was then shipped back to Italy with Monza.
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