The Armenian Football Federation (FFA) has confirmed that Manchester United winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan has not yet recovered from a thigh injury.
The 27-year-old has had a stuttering start to life at Old Trafford following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund.
Injuries have played a part in his lack of game time, but after four appearances, Mkhitaryan is yet to score a goal or provide an assist.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk player was not included in the squad for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Stoke City, and now the Armenian FA has explained why.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United's club doctor Steve McNally wrote a letter to the FFA, which read: "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 FFA released a statement confirming that Mkhitaryan will miss international matches against Romania and Poland.
Danielle Joynson
