Arsenal have defended their decision to leave Henrikh Mkhitaryan at home for their upcoming UEFA Europa League clash against Qarabag FK, as the Armenian would require a special visa to enter Baku.
The Daily Mail reports that due to diplomatic tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Arsenal would need to apply for a special visa for the 29-year-old to take part in the game.
Qarabag manager Gurban Gurbanov has claimed that the Gunners were "afraid" of bringing the former Borussia Dortmund man into Azerbaijan's capital.
He said: "Arsenal tried to save this player but it is not a matter for us if he is coming or not.