Tuesday 2 October 2018 21:26, UK
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not travel with the Arsenal squad for their match against Qarabag on Thursday due to continuing tensions between Azerbaijan and his native Armenia, Sky Sports News understands.
Armenian citizens are currently banned from travelling to Azerbaijan, although special exceptions have been made in the past for professional athletes.
When the Europa League draw was made last month, Arsenal said: "Safety and security of all our players and staff is always a top priority."
The Europa League final will take place in the Azerbaijan capital Baku in May, so a decision will have to be made nearer the time should Arsenal reach the tournament's showpiece event.
Mkhitataryan did not travel with former club Borussia Dortmund for a Europa League match against Galaba FK three years ago for safety concerns.
Arsenal travel to Azerbaijan for their second European match of the campaign after beating Vorskla Poltava 4-2 in their opener at the Emirates.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice, with Danny Welbeck and Mesut Ozil also scoring in the victory. Mkhitaryan played all 90 minutes of the fixture.
