Arsenal release statement on Pablo Mari after star one of six stabbed

Arsenal have provided an update on the condition of defender Pablo Mari after he was stabbed in an incident in Italy on Thursday. The 29-year-old was one of six people injured in the attack at a supermarket in the Milanofori area after a man grabbed a knife from a supermarket shelf and began stabbing people. One man has died as a result of injuries sustained from the attack.

Five people were taken to hospital, with one man understood to be in his 30s pronounced dead en route to the hospital. A 46-year-old man has been arrested by local police following the incident, which is not being treated as a terrorist attack.

While initial reports had suggested Mari had been seriously injured, Arsenal have clarified their player – on a season-long loan to AC Monza – is “not seriously hurt” and is receiving treatment after consulting with the player’s representatives.

“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,” read Arsenal’s statement.

“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.”

Arsenal had earlier told Express Sport: “We understand he’s in hospital and OK but know no more than that at this time.”

Mikel Arteta, who made Mari one of his first signings as Arsenal manager in January 2020, was only made aware of the incident in the aftermath of their 2-0 Europa League defeat to PSV Eindhoven.

“I know [club technical director] Edu has been in touch with his relatives,” said Arteta in his post-match press conference. “He is in hospital. He seems to be OK. I will get a briefing now about what happened.”

Monza manager Raffaele Palladino was due to visit Mari, who has played eight times in Serie A this season during his loan spell, in hospital on Thursday evening along with other club officials.

The Italian club’s chief executive officer, Adriano Galliani, posted a message of support via the club’s Twitter account: “Dear Pablo, we’re all here for you and your family. We love you. Keep fighting. You’re a warrior and you’ll be better soon,” he said.

Galliani later provided more details on his condition: “Pablo Mari had a fairly deep wound on his back, which fortunately did not touch vital organs such as the lungs or other.”