Date: 20th February 2020 at 9:12am
Written by:

Mikel Arteta says he’s ‘surprised’ by new signing Pablo Mari’s attitude and commitment following his arrival from Flamengo last month.

Mari, who is currently on loan, is still yet to make his first-team debut for Arsenal, but the Spanish defender is getting closer.

He played 45 minutes for Arsenal’s under-23’s in Monday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

And Arteta says Mari has shaken off his injury and is performing well both on and off the pitch.

‘Well, I watched the game but I could not be there for a personal reason,’ Arteta said. ‘But, I was very glad that those two were there to support him.

‘When he joined the club he hadn’t played for a long time and he had a little niggle as well well when he joined us, but his attitude and commitment has been really, really good and highly surprising.

Mikel Arteta has been impressed by Pablo Mari’s progress

‘He did really well the other day and hopefully we can start to use him soon.’

The Gunners have travelled to Athens ahead of their Europa League Round of 32 clash with Olympiacos.

Mari is in contention to play, as is Rob Holding who also gained 45 minutes under his belt on Monday night.

Gooners, what’s your preferred centre-back choice for Thursday night? Let us know in the comments…

 

Comments are closed.