Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Arsenal plan to leave Armenia captain out of Europa League final in Baku unless UEFA provide safety assurances
Arsenal are “hugely concerned” about Henrikh Mkhitaryan potentially missing the Europa League final against Chelsea because of the continuing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.The Armenia captain skipped the Gunners’ earlier fixture in the competition against Qarabag in Baku because of the issue, which has flared once again with the Azerbaijani capital city set to host the final.Henrikh Mkhitaryan could miss out on the Europa League finalgetty2
Henrikh Mkhitaryan could miss out on the Europa League final
Hostility remains between the neighbouring countries over the disputed Nagorno Karabakh region, where a ceasefire was declared in 1994 after fighting erupted several years earlier.Those issues meant Mkhitaryan did not travel with Borussia Dortmund to a Europa League game against Gabala in October 2015, and Arsenal say they need assurances over their player’s welfare before naming him in the squad for their upcoming fixture against the Blues.The club said in a statement: “The safety and security of our players is of paramount importance.“We are seeking guarantees from UEFA that it will be safe for Henrikh Mkhitaryan to travel to Baku for the Europa League final, which both Arsenal and Micki require for him to be included within our squad.“Acceptable guarantees have not been received yet, and we hope that UEFA will be able to supply these promptly.“We are of course hugely concerned that the location of the final could lead to Micki not being able to play in a European final.”Arsenal have booked their place in their first European final since 2006GETTY2
Arsenal have booked their place in their first European final since 2006
Arsenal reached the Europa League final, which will be held on May 29, after a 7-3 aggregate victory over Valencia.UEFA confirmed it will do all it can to make sure Mkhitaryan does not miss out.The governing body said in a short statement: “It is a standard procedure for UEFA to send letters of support to associations, clubs or embassies in order to obtain visas for players and allow them to play in UEFA competition matches.”Arsenal will take on Chelsea in Baku after the Blues beat Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties in their semi-final.

LIVE ON talkSPORT

talkSPORT is your home of live football! Here's what's coming up on talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2...
  • Tranmere vs Forest Green (Friday, 7:45pm) talkSPORT 2
  • Aston Villa vs West Brom (Saturday, 12:30pm) talkSPORT
  • Derby vs Leeds United (Saturday, 5:15pm) talkSPORT
  • Sunderland vs Portsmouth (Saturday, 7:30pm) talkSPORT 2
  • Doncaster vs Charlton (Sunday, 12:15pm) talkSPORT 2
  • Tottenham vs Everton (Sunday, 3pm) talkSPORT 2
  • Mansfield vs Newport (Sunday, 6pm) talkSPORT 2


Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not play in the Europa League final against Chelsea on 29 May. It is understood the Armenian, 30, feared for his safety on the pitch in Baku, 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
Arsenal's Henrikh Mkhitaryan to miss Europa League final

Arsenal are planning to leave Henrikh Mkhitaryan out of their squad for the all-important Europa League final against Chelsea unless Uefa can provide assurances that his presence in Azerbaijan will not affect their safety.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Why Arsenal midfielder could miss Europa

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Arsenal plan to leave Armenia captain out of Europa League final in Baku unless UEFA provide safety assurances.
Arsenal plan to leave Armenia captain out of Europa League

huge concen Mkhitaryan did not travel to Azerbaijan for Arsenal's […] Arsenal plan to leave Armenia captain out of Europa League final in Baku unless UEFA provide safety assurances - Fussboll Home
Arsenal plan to leave Henrikh Mkhitaryan out of Europa League

The Armenia captain skipped the Gunners' earlier fixture in the competition against Qarabag in Baku because of the issue, which has flared once again with the Azerbaijani capital city set to host the final. Henrikh Mkhitaryan could miss out on the Europa League final Hostility remains between the neighbouring countries over the disputed Nagorno
Arsenal plan to leave Henrikh Mkhitaryan out of Europa League
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Arsenal plan to leave Armenia captain out

Arsenal are planning to leave Henrikh Mkhitaryan out of their squad for the all-important Europa League final against Chelsea unless Uefa can provide assurances that his presence in Azerbaijan
Arsenal plan to leave Armenia captain out of Europa League

Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not play in the Europa League final against Chelsea on 29 May. It is understood the Armenian, 30, feared for his safety on the pitch in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Mkhitaryan to Skip Europa League Final in Baku | Asbarez.com
asbarez.com/180755/mkhitaryan-to-skip-europa-league-final-in-baku/
Arsenal mid-fielder and captain of Armenia's National Soccer team Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not participate in the Europa League final match against Chelsea on May 29 in Baku, Arsenal officially
Arsenal's Henrikh Mkhitaryan to miss Europa League final

LONDON (BBC) — Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not play in the Europa League final against Chelsea on May 29. It is understood the Armenian, 30, feared for his safety on the pitch in Baku, Azerbaijan. "Having considered all current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Why Arsenal midfielder could miss Europa League final in Baku Strained relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan could see Mkhitaryan left at home for the biggest game of the
Arsenal's Henrikh Mkhitaryan to miss Europa League final