Pablo Mari could be included in Arsenal’s squad to play against Molde in the Europa League, according to football.london.
The Spanish centre-half has been out since the fixture away to Manchester City back in June when football resumed.
It emerged earlier this month that the Gunners paid a mere £3.5m for the former Flamengo centre-half, despite claims that the 27-year-old signed for £14m.
The return for the central defender is good news for the Reds who are only getting further strengthened in the centre-half position. Mari joins the likes of Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding and Calum Chambers in being available for manager Mikel Arteta.
With Arteta seemingly favouring a back-three this season, it gives the Spaniard the opportunity to use the formation to its full extent. A few times this season, Kieran Tierney has been featuring at left centre-half with Bukayo Saka filling in at left wing-back. Square pegs in round holes have never been a good thing, but, Mari’s return can change that.
Is the packed fixture list taking its toll on Arsenal?
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Mari’s return from his injury is also timely given how badly exposed the Gunners have been at the heart of their defence in recent games. The likes of Aston Villa, Leicester City, Molde and Leeds United have had a field day in trying to get at the backline. Rotation has been limited especially in the top-flight due to injuries, however, changes can now be made.
Mari may not be the most glamorous names in the squad, but, his return is a boost nonetheless as Arsenal look to turn their season around.
In other news, Freddie Ljungberg questioned one of Mikel Arteta’s decisions from this season.
