Mikel Arteta provides fitness update on Pablo Mari from training camp: report

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said that Pablo Mari will have to be managed wisely, considering he will take some time to adjust to the demands of English football.

The Spaniard has been involved in regular training with the first-team squad in the warm-weather camp in Dubai and he should be in a much better physical shape when the winter break concludes.

In an interview covered by the club’s official website, Arteta revealed that Mari is in a better condition when compared to fellow winter signing Cedric Soares, who has been under light training after his recent knee injury.

However, the Spaniard hinted that Mari may not make the starting lineup for the forthcoming Premier League clash and he would be slowly integrated into the first-team plans.

“With Pablo a little bit more than Cedric, but we have to go step by step. He is a new player and I am sure he is very excited and wants to prove everything in three days, so we have to manage him wisely,” he told.

Arsenal have received a major fitness boost during the winter break with the trio of Sead Kolasinac (thigh strain), Reiss Nelson (hamstring) and Bukayo Saka (knock) reporting for full training sessions after overcoming their respective concerns.

Saka has been the first-choice option for Arteta on the left side of the defence over the past month but Kolasinac could reclaim the spot, provided he is able to prove his fitness ahead of the home game against Newcastle United on Sunday.