Report: Forgotten Arsenal man set for return to full training, could be back for Molde game

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Arsenal defender Pablo Mari has been earmarked for a return to full training after the international break, according to Football London.

The 27-year-old, who joined Arsenal permanently in June from Brazilian club Flamengo, sustained an ankle ligament sprain against Manchester City in June.

Mari duly underwent surgery to fix the problem and has since been undergoing rehabilitation, with his latest update coming on 4 November.

“Step by step,” the initial January loan arrival wrote on Twitter to accompany a video of him in training. “Getting stronger everyday.”

The latest Arsenal injury update round-up by Football London wrote that Mari is continuing his outside running and strengthening programme, along with light ball work.

It added that the Gunners are aiming to integrate the Spaniard back into full training after this international break, though this Sunday’s Premier League trip to Leeds could be a game too soon.

This means he could potentially be back for the Europa League trip to Molde on Thursday 26 November, Mikel Arteta having named him in the squad for the competition.

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It’s unfortunate how things have panned out for Mari, but he’s looking like he’ll be back very soon.

Hopefully he’ll be able to stake a claim for the first team and show Arsenal fans why the club spent a reported £14million on him.

A left-footed centre-back who stands 6ft 4in, he’s got a lot to offer the Gunners, even though he’s got a big job on his hands trying to dislodge Gabriel Magalhaes from the XI.