Henrikh Mkhitaryan is unlikely to travel to Azerbaijan with the rest of his Arsenal teammates ahead of Thursdays Europa League tie against Qarabag.
The former Manchester United player is set to remain in London due to the fragile political relationship that exists between Azerbaijan and Armeina.
Mkhitaryan, an Armenia international and his homelands most high-profile sportsman, also opted out of Borussia Dortmunds game against Gabala FK three years ago.
Armenian citizens are currently banned from travelling to Azerbaijan, who are also scheduled to host the final in May, although exemptions for sports stars and entertainers have been made in the past.
Unai Emery had previously hinted he had hoped to include the 29-year-old in his squad as Arsenal look to follow-up their match day one win over Vorskla Poltava with an eighth straight victory in all competitions.
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I would like that he can [travel] with us, he commented after the draw was made earlier this month. And this problem, if we can together arrange [a solution], it would be better.
Mkhitaryan has made seven appearances for Arseal this season, but hasnt started a Premier League game since the win over West Ham on August 25.
More: Arsenal FC
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan is unlikely to travel to Azerbaijan with the rest of his Arsenal teammates ahead of Thursdays Europa League tie against Qarabag.
The former Manchester United player is set to remain in London due to the fragile political relationship that exists between Azerbaijan and Armeina.
Mkhitaryan, an Armenia international and his homelands most high-profile sportsman, also opted out of Borussia Dortmunds game against Gabala FK three years ago.
Armenian citizens are currently banned from travelling to Azerbaijan, who are also scheduled to host the final in May, although exemptions for sports stars and entertainers have been made in the past.
Unai Emery had previously hinted he had hoped to include the 29-year-old in his squad as Arsenal look to follow-up their match day one win over Vorskla Poltava with an eighth straight victory in all competitions.
Advertisement Advertisement
I would like that he can [travel] with us, he commented after the draw was made earlier this month. And this problem, if we can together arrange [a solution], it would be better.
Mkhitaryan has made seven appearances for Arseal this season, but hasnt started a Premier League game since the win over West Ham on August 25.
More: Arsenal FC
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