Mkhitaryan To Miss Europa Finals In Baku Over Safety Concerns

Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be a part of the travelling squad to Baku for the Europa league finals, Arsenal has confirmed.

The Armenian International will be absent due to growing fears that the dispute between his country and Azerbaijan – the host country for the finals – may pose security problems.

Mkhitaryan has also missed matches held in Azerbaijan in the past as a result of political tensions between his country, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“Having considered all current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not to travel with the squad to the Europa League final,” said the former Manchester United man.

“It’s the kind of game that doesn’t come along very often and I admit, it hurts a lot to miss it.”

Arsenal in an official statement said they have explored all possible options and have collectively agreed with his family that the Armenian won’t be a part of the travelling party.

“We have thoroughly explored all the options for Micki to be part of the squad but after discussing this with Micki and his family we have collectively agreed he will not be in our travelling party.

The Gunners said it was regrettable that Miki who’s been a vital player all season was going to miss the finals because of such circumstances.

“Micki has been a key player in our run to the final so this is a big loss for us from a team perspective.

“We’re also very sad that a player will miss out on a major European final in circumstances such as this, as it is something that comes along very rarely in a footballer’s career.”

Arsenal who finished fifth on the Premier League standings need to win the Europa League finals if they are to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

If the Gunners eventually turn out winners, It would be their first European trophy since they won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.

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