Revealed: Why Mkhitaryan could stay behind for Arsenal’s Europa League clash

Arsenal are back in the Europa League action this season.

The Gunners now look to new boss Unai Emery to continue his love affair with the competition following his three successive Europa League triumphs.

Arsenal have been drawn against Sporting Lisbon, Ukrainian side Vorskla and FC Qarabag of Azerbaijan and with the Gunners heavy favourites to progress you should think about using your bet365 sign up bonus on the competition.

Portuguese heavyweights Sporting are likely to be Arsenal’s toughest opponents, but it’s Qarabag who are making the headlines.

According to Vivaro News, Mkhitaryan Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be unavailable for the away game against the minnows.

This is due to the fact that Azerbaijan have banned Armenians from entering the country over tensions between the bordering rivals.

It was the case for the attacking midfielder whilst at former club Borussia Dortmund in 2015 as security concerns led to the German club decided to leave him out of their squad for a Europa League game against Azerbaijani club Gabala.

Even without Mkhitaryan, Arsenal will be expected to comfortably come through the match unscathed.