Arsenal blocked in showing support for Henrikh Mkhitaryan

The Arsenal midfielder is unable to play due to political tensions between his country, Armenia, and the host nation, Azerbaijan. Arsenal players were considering wearing shirts with Mkhitaryan's name on the back for the warm-up, reports the Daily Mail. However, UEFA insiders confirmed that any such move is prohibited by the organisation’s strict rules. The kit worn by the teams during the game are subject to approval by European football's governing body, and that also includes any post-match T-shirts.

We want to play with Mkhitaryan Unai Emery

Arsenal have made it clear they wanted Mkhitaryan to at the game, but the 30-year-old will not be travelling with the squad to face Chelsea in the Europa League final. That is because there is currently a dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh territory. Before the decision to leave Mkhitaryan behind was made Arsenal boss Unai Emery had shown his support for the midfielder. “We want to play with Mkhitaryan,” Emery said.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan's country Armenia is in dispute with Azerbaijan

Arsenal play Chelsea in the Europa League Final in Baku, Azerbaijan

“It is a political issue but I don't know well what the solution is. “We are ready to do all we can do to play with him. “I don't know the possibility with the political issue.” The result of Mkhitaryan not travelling could see a farewell appearance for Danny Welbeck. The England striker has not played after breaking his ankle in November but could be available to play for Arsenal after returning to training - the injury was so severe it required him to go under the knife twice as part of his recovery.

Danny Welbeck might get a farewell appearance in Baku