Henrikh Mkhitaryan Out of World Cup Qualifier on Sunday, Doubtful for Manchester Derby Next Week

YEREVAN — Armenian national football team captain Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not take part in Sunday September 4 WC-2018 qualifier between Denmark and Armenia, Armenian Football Federation has announced in a statement.

“As reported, senior national team captain Henrikh Mkhitaryan received an injury against Czech Republic and as a result was unable to continue the match.

“Mkhitaryan has had a medical examination in a clinic in Mlada Boleslav. Unfortunately, the results are not encouraging.

“Mkhitaryan was found to have an injury in the lower third of the left thigh muscle. Such injuries usually require a week to 10 days to heal, which means that Mkhitaryan will miss the Denmark-Armenia match on September 4.” the statement says.

The Manchester United playmaker suffered the injury playing for Armenia in the international break and it places a real question over whether he will be available for the Manchester derby on September 10 which is in seven days time so technically Mkhitaryan should be available for selection but he is unlikely to be fully match fit.

Mkhitaryan posted a message on his facebook page expressing his feelings. “My dear fans, thank you for all your messages of support. I appreciate very much that you worry about me. I’m now back in Manchester for treatment and hope to be fit very soon. I wish my Armenian teammates a successful start of the #World Cup qualifying campaign ahead of tomorrow’s game vs Denmark. As the Captain of the national team I expect as always fighting spirit and determination! I’ll be with the team with my heart and soul!”