Pablo Mari drops Instagram hint as Arsenal take on Portsmouth

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Pablo Mari has dropped an enormous hint on Instagram by suggesting he could finally make his first senior appearance for Arsenal on Monday night – as the Gunners take on League One side Portsmouth in the FA Cup.

Arsenal completed a move to sign 26-year-old Mari on a loan-to-buy deal from Brazilian side Flamengo, and reports have already claimed that The Gunners will activate the permanent clause in that deal for the ex-Manchester City star.

Despite the poor form of Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz and Sokratis, Mari is yet to make his first appearance for Arsenal – with a lack of fitness and injury preventing the Spaniard from earning his debut.

However, with the Gunners fighting for a place in the sixth round of the FA Cup and third-tier side Portsmouth standing in their way – some may fee it is the perfect chance for Mari to make his debut, and his Instagram suggests he might.

TBR’s view – Pressure on Mari to impress

That is, because the Gunners are coming up against a side two divisions below them. The magic of the FA Cup, twinned with Arsenal’s much bigger standing in English football, means the pressure is all on Mari and Arsenal.

Even so, Mari should have enough quality to show Arsenal supporters why he has been signed by Mikel Arteta. Yes, the pressure and expectancy will be on Arsenal – but a clean sheet against Pompey will be a good start for Mari.