Henrikh Mkhitaryan's Manchester United absence has been explained, courtesy of the Armenia FA.
The 27-year old was forced off at half-time in the Manchester derby, his last appearance for United. He was suffering from a thigh injury but was reportedly nearing a return from injury having trained before games against Zorya Luhansk and Stoke City.
United fans thought they were going to see the player back on the pitch after he tweeted about getting to full fitness.
However the Armenia FA have published a statement on the matter, noting that United doctor Steve McNally wrote to the federation and told them that Mkhitaryan hasn't fully recovered from his thigh problem. McNally also requested that the Armenian skipper is allowed extra time at the club's training complex and therefore not go on international duty.
As per the Armenian FA, Mr McNally's letter read:
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"Henrikh is still undergoing late stage rehabilitation from the left thigh muscle injury that he sustained earlier this month whilst playing for Manchester United. Although his progress has been good over the past week, he is participating in limited aspects of team training and is not yet able to train fully without restrictions or play competitively. In view of that I would be grateful if he could be allowed to withdraw from the National Team for the forthcoming training camp and FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches in order to remain in Manchester to complete his rehabilitation."
The summer signing is yet to hit the ground running at Old Trafford and has made just five appearances, though injuries have greatly hindered his progress at the club.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester United, MUFC, Old Trafford
