Arsenal defender Pablo Mari returns to training just 48 days after being stabbed

Arsenal defender Pablo Mari is back in training with loan club Monza just 48 days after he was stabbed in a knife attack that took the life of one person and left five injured.

The 29-year-old defender, who was aided by Napoli icon Massimo Tarantino, was stabbed in the back in a Milan shopping centre and then airlifted to hospital.

The Spanish centre back, who was on the books at Manchester City between 2016 and 2019, had successful surgery the following day to repair damaged muscles.

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Having appeared as a guest while wearing a sling just 10 days later, he has now made enough of a recovery to return to the training pitch just before Serie A resumes following a break for the World Cup.

Monza took to Instagram to share a snap of Mari with the ball at his feet on Wednesday (December 14) – alongside the caption: "Look who’s back."

Arsenal, who signed Mari from Flamengo on an initial loan deal in 2020 before it was made permanent, offered a statement at the time of the attack.

It read: "We are all shocked to hear the dreadful news about the stabbing in Italy, which has put a number of people in hospital including our on-loan centre-back Pablo Mari.

"We have been in contact with Pablo’s agent who has told us he’s in hospital and is not seriously hurt.

"Our thoughts are with Pablo and the other victims of this dreadful incident."

With Arteta saying in a press conference: "I just found out. I know Edu has been in touch with his relatives. He's in hospital, but he seems to be okay."

Thinking of others Mari posted on Instagram while in hospital: We want to send our condolences and all our strength to the family and friends of the deceased person.

"We sincerely wish that all injured people recover as soon as possible."

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