Pablo Mari posts on Instagram, Gabriel Martinelli and Arsenal players respond

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Pablo Mari has posted on Instagram after marking his return from injury with a goal during Arsenal’s 4-1 Europa League win over Rapid Vienna – prompting reaction from Gabriel Martinelli and other Arsenal players.

Mari, 27, managed just his fourth appearance for Arsenal since initially joining the club on loan from Brazilian side Flamengo in January. He suffered a long-term ankle injury against Manchester City immediately after lockdown.

That has kept him sidelined until now. Signed permanently for £14million (Mail), the Spanish defender lasted the entire 90 minutes as Arsenal cruised to a win in front of 2,000 supporters.

Eddie Nketiah, Alexandre Lacazette and Emile Smith-Rowe also got their names on the score sheet – and Mari posted on Instagram after the match, declaring his delight at returning from injury and scoring his first Arsenal goal.

Mari scored Arsenal’s second after Lacazette’s barm-storming effort from 30 yards. He glanced a Reiss Nelson corner into the net, via the post. Nketiah bundled home a rebound, while Smith-Rowe tapped home.

Nketiah responded to Mari’s Instagram by posting “welcome back bro”, as did Nelson – though the latter uploaded a picture on his story. Martinelli, injured alongside Mari for some time, also reacted on his story.

The Brazilian forward’s message is translated as: “You deserve it my brother”.