Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not available for next week’s Europa League final against Chelsea as he will not travel to Baku with Unai Emery’s squad.
The Armenia international’s safety was a concern due to the dispute between his country and host nation Azerbaijan.
The decision has since been made to omit Mkhitaryan from Emery’s travelling squad for the May 29 showpiece.
“We are very disappointed to announce that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be travelling with the squad for our UEFA Europa League final against Chelsea,” an Arsenal statement read.
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“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.
“We have written to UEFA expressing our deep concerns about this situation. Micki has been a key player in our run to the final so this is a big loss for us from a team perspective.
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“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.
“Micki will continue to be part of our preparations until we depart for Baku at the weekend.”
Mkhitaryan released a statement of his own on social media platform Instagram.
He wrote: “Having considered all the current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not to travel with the squad to the Europa League final.
“It‘s the kind of game that doesn’t come along very often for us players and I must admit, it hurts me a lot to miss it. I will be cheering my teammates on! Let‘s bring it home.”
Unai Emery revealed Mkhitaryan took the decision to miss the final after debating his involvement with both the Arsenal manager and his family.
He further stated he had no right to force Mkhitaryan into participating even though he cannot call upon one of his key players for the final.
“I discussed this with Mkhitaryan,” Gunners boss Emery said. “It’s a very personal decision.
“He wants to play with the team, but he spoke with his family and decided not to go.
“It’s a very, very personal decision and we need to respect him. I don’t understand the political problems but I must respect (his decision).
“I cannot push him to come with us. These issues are out of my hands and I understand 100 per cent.”
UEFA later insisted that a ‘comprehensive security plan was in place for Mkhitaryan.
European football’s governing body said in a statement: “Working alongside Arsenal FC, UEFA sought and received assurances regarding the player’s safety in Azerbaijan from the highest authorities in the country.
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Mkhitaryan was previously given safety assurances by the Azerbaijani government, but it has been decided he will not travel for the match
“As a result of these guarantees, a comprehensive security plan was developed and given to the club.
“While the club acknowledges the efforts that UEFA and the Azeri government have gone to in this matter, we respect the personal decision not to travel with the player.”
The Azerbaijani football federation (AFFA) expressed their disappointment at Mkhitaryan’s decision not to travel for the Europa League final.
An AFFA spokesperson said: “We are disappointed to see the statement from Arsenal that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be travelling with his team to Baku to participate at the UEFA Europa League final against Chelsea next Wednesday.
“We very much regret this unwarranted decision taken, as we understand, collectively by Arsenal, the player and his family. Whilst we recognise the right to make a personal decision not to travel, we would like to reiterate that as the host country Azerbaijan has provided all the necessary guarantees required by UEFA to ensure the personal safety of Mr Mkhitaryan.
“There is no reason whatsoever to put in question the seriousness of these guarantees provided by Azerbaijan. Over the past decade a large number of Armenian athletes have taken part in various international sports events in Azerbaijan without any issues.
“Finally, we believe that this regretful decision will not affect in any manner the quality and the attraction of this great match. We look forward to welcoming both teams in Baku shortly.”
talkSPORT will bring you live coverage of the Europa League final in Baku between Chelsea and Arsenal on Wednesday, May 29
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.
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