Qarabag coach says Arsenal have ‘saved’ Mkhitaryan by leaving player at home

• Player reportedly misses Europa League tie in Azerbaijan
• Gurbanov suggests tensions with Armenia may be reason

Qarabag head coach Gurban Gurbanov believes Arsenal have “saved” Henrikh Mkhitaryan from the pressure of playing in front of a large crowd in Azerbaijan by leaving the player at home. Tensions still exist between Azerbaijan and Mkhitaryan’s native Armenia following a long-standing conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh territory.

Mkhitaryan did not travel to face Azerbaijan Premier League side Gabala while with Borussia Dortmund in 2015, although he was told by UEFA that he would be granted a visa if we wished to make the journey. A similar situation has occurred this time round, as it is understood the 29-year-old will be remaining in London as his teammates travel for their Europa League match.

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