Mikel Arteta says Pablo Mari is ready to start against West Ham on Saturday.
The central defender was impressive on his full debut in the 2-0 FA Cup win over Portsmouth on Monday evening, and is looking to establish himself in Arteta's first team plans moving forward.
Mari joined Arsenal on loan from Flamengo in the January transfer window, with the Gunners having the option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Arteta already has several options in central defence, with David Luiz, Sokratis, Shkodran Mustafi all vying for places, but the Arsenal boss believes Mari is ready to show what he can do in the Premier League.
“He’s recovered well from the [Portsmouth] game," Arteta told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
"He trained well and I think he’s ready to play if needed.”
Mari thanked Arsenal supporters after the Portsmouth game on Monday, with a message on social media.
On his Instagram account, he uploaded a picture with the caption: 'On to the next round of the #EmiratesFACup. Happy with the win and my debut for @arsenal.
'Huge team effort and great support from our fans! Let's go Gunners!'
Luiz, who partnered Mari at Fratton Park, was full of praise for his fellow central defender and hailed the Gunners' performance on the south coast.
"It’s great, these kind of things we have to learn," Luiz told the official club website.
"I think we did great tonight, everybody was 100 per cent focused and we didn’t concede.
"I’m so happy for Pablo, he’s a great guy, a great player and he had an amazing game so we are here to help each other and we are here, 25 players, ready to play, ready to play for Arsenal and ready to give the best job.
"When it’s like that it’s a pleasure to play football as I will say to the guys, especially to these young lads who are starting football.
"They are starting with a great opportunity at a big club and they are doing great, so it’s a pleasure to play with them."
