Pablo Mari won’t play for Arsenal again this season, after reportedly suffering a serious ankle ligament injury in defeat to Manchester City.

David Ornstein reports that Pablo Mari won’t play for Arsenal again this season, suffering a serious ankle ligament/tendon injury on Wednesday. The defender went down midway through the first half and couldn’t continue. He may now need surgery.

This obviously casts a lot of doubt over Mari’s permanent future at the club.

If the defender is out for many months after his potential surgery, it must make the club doubt whether it’s worth signing him up for the long term. Particularly in their current financial situation.

There’s certainly no point extending Mari’s deal in the short-term. Arsenal either need to activate their option to buy or let him go, which simplifies the issue, at least. Previously, Arsenal were reportedly working on a loan extension.

Granit Xhaka, who also went off early in the game, picked up an ankle problem as well. However, he has a better chance of returning in the next month or so before the season ends.