Arsenal defender Pablo Mari stabbed in Milan shopping centre attack

By Mark Mann-Bryans, PA

Arsenal have confirmed defender Pablo Mari was stabbed at a shopping centre in Milan on Thursday.

The 29-year-old, currently on a season-long loan at Monza, is now recovering in hospital, with local reports suggesting one of six victims had died.

In a statement issued shortly after their 2-0 Europa League defeat at PSV Eindhoven, Arsenal gave an update on Mari’s condition.

Our thoughts are with Pablo Mari and the other victims of today's dreadful incident in Italy.

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

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 27, 2022

“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,” it read.

“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.”

Arteta, in his post-match press conference added: “I just found out. I know (technical director) Edu has been in touch with his relatives. He’s in hospital but he seems to be okay.”

Monza’s president Adriano Galliani released a statement via the club’s official Twitter account which read: “Dear Pablo, we are all here close to you and your family, we love you, keep fighting as you know how to do, you are a warrior and you will get well soon.”