Arsenal's Pablo Mari stabbed in Italy

The defender was caught up in an attack in Milan

Arsenal defender Pablo Mari is due to have surgery
Author: Aileen O'SullivanPublished 28th Oct 2022
Last updated 28th Oct 2022

Arsenal footballer Pablo Mari's expected to have surgery today after he was stabbed in Italy during an attack which killed a man.

The defender, who's on loan at Monza, was among six people caught up in the incident in Milan.

The 29-year-old said to be due to have surgery to reduce muscle damage to his back but is understood to be recovering.

One person injured in the attack at a shopping centre has died and a 46 year old man is being detained by police

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 and the other victims of this dreadful incident."

"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."

Arsenal manager Mikel 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."