Borussia Dortmund left for Baku this morning without Armenian playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan because of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“We have spoken to the player. It was the best decision for everyone,” Borussia boss Hans- Joachim Watzke said. “Henrikh is not angry for having to stay at home,” he said.

He added that the decision would probably be different if it was the semi-final.

Borussia will face Gabala FK Thursday in a Europa League Group C encounter.