Although a final decision has yet to be made, it looks more and more likely that Arsenal will face Chelsea in the Europa League final without Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
That’s according toAmy Lawrence, a trusted Arsenal journalist, as the absurdity of holding the fixture in Baku becomes ever more apparent.
Earlier today Arsenal released a statement criticising UEFA’s decision to stage the final in Azerbaijan, making it impossible for most fans to make the trip. So much so that tickets are now on sale to red members – unheard of for any cup final because the allocation is generally snapped up by season ticket holders.
The Arsenal Supporter’s Trust also raised the issue of British-Armenian Arsenal season ticket holders being been denied visas to enter the country, and although a dispensation has apparently been granted to Mkhitaryan, the issue about security and safety with the club yet to receive satisfactory guarantees in that regard.
With the Gunners missing Aaron Ramsey due to injury, being forced to leave an experienced attacking option at home because of the location of the game and a political situation in the region is absolutely disgraceful.
We’ll wait and see what the official decision is, but right now it looks as if Emery won’t be able to play with his Micki in Baku.