Arsenal star returns to training just two months after being stabbed

Arsenal star Pablo Mari has returned to training with his loan club just months after being stabbed.

Shock news emerged from Italy in October with Mari a victim of a knife attack in a shopping centre in Rome. One person died in the attack and six were attacked in all, and Mari was stabbed, dubbed ‘lucky’ to avoid life-threatening injuries. The defender spent two months out of action as a result, requiring surgery to reconstruct parts two muscles following the damage created by the wound.

Mari is currently on loan with Serie A club Monza, and he is now back on the grass, working his way back to fitness. The Spaniard will spent the entirety of this season with Monza, and he will hope to play a significant part between now and the end of the season.

Posting pictures of himself back on the training pitch, Mari wrote: “Back with the team. Step by step.”

Mari was with his family at the time of the attack, and he later posted: “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.”

Arsenal were in touch with their out on loan defender in the midst of the incident, ensuring he and his family were safe and well. It’s not clear when Mari will return to action, but he will be hoping to add to his eight Serie A appearances sooner rather than later.

Monza are currently 14th in their first season in the top division, nine points ahead of the drop zone. It’s reported Monza could be obligated to buy Mari if he makes a certain number of appearances. Mari has been with Arsenal since 2020.