Arsenal’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan may not be able to play against Azerbaijani side Qarabag in the Europa League… because he is Armenian
- Henrikh Mkhitaryan may miss the group game and final if Arsenal get there
- Armenia and neighbouring Azerbaijan have no diplomatic relations at present
- Two nations have an ongoing dispute over the Nagorno-Karabakh territory
- UEFA will send a letter of support to Azerbaijan for Mkhitaryan to be given visa
Arsenal’s Europa League draw could prove a major problem for their Armenian international Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
The Gunners have been drawn against Qarabag from Azerbaijan who are still on a war footing with Armenia.
Midfielder Mkhitaryan was playing for Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League in 2015 when he missed their game against Azerbaijan’s Gabala because of security concerns.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan could miss the trip to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag due to visa problems
The Arsenal attacking midfielder might also miss the final in Baku if the Gunners make it
An Arsenal spokesman said: ‘Safety and security of all our players and staff is always a top priority. We will be looking into this situation, talk to the player and make a decision after that.’
Manager Unai Emery said: ‘I would like that he stays with us but I have not yet spoken to him.’
UEFA said: ‘It is a standard procedure for UEFA to send letters of support to associations, clubs or embassies in order to obtain visas for players to be able to travel to another country and play in UEFA competition matches.’
The Europa ties present Arsenal, who will also face Sporting Lisbon and Ukrainian team Vorskla, with major travel difficulties. Qarabag is a 4,938-mile round trip while Vorskla’s home ground in Poltava is another 3,028-mile journey.
Meanwhile, Emery has warned Mesut Ozil he will continue to play on the right wing when it suits the team, adding: ‘I know he can play on the right or as a No 10. The most important is the mentality for helping the team with quality and performance.’
Mkhitaryan is likely to be a key man for Unai Emery’s side in all competitions this season
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