Arsenal look as though they'll be without Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Thursday's Europa League match in Azerbaijan.

The midfielder is not expected to travel with the team ahead of their match against Qarabag due to the long-standing dispute between his home nation of Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to Jeremy Wilson of The Telegraph.

Uncertainty over his involvement first emerged after the Europa League draw was revealed in August. Tensions between the nations have been ongoing over the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, which has resulted in Azerbaijan banning Armenians from entering the country.

Despite past exceptions issued by the Azerbaijan government - such as in 2015 when Mkhitaryan was promised a visa while he was a member of Borussia Dortmund - it's believed that Arsenal's decision to leave the 29-year-old behind stems from security concerns.

Depending on Arsenal's performance in the tournament, the club could face a similar situation next year if they reach the Europa League final, which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan on May 29.

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