Arsenal defender Pablo Mari is making excellent progress in his recovery from a stabbing attack.

On-loan at Serie A Monza, Mari was stabbed in the back during a attack in a local shopping centre.

La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Spaniard is now "burning the stages" as he targets a full-scale training return in January.

There's hope Mari will be playing in around six weeks time.

The defender is on a straight loan to the end of the season.