Official: Tigran Avanesyan Called Up to the Armenian National Team

Midfielder of Russian club Arsenal Tula, Tigran Avanesyan, has been officially called up to the Armenian national team for the upcoming friendly matches against Kosovo (June 6) and Montenegro (June 9), the club announced.

This call-up is significant both for the player and for Armenian football: Avanesyan is the first player in the history of Arsenal Tula to receive a call-up to the Armenian national team. It’s worth noting, however, that former Armenia national team player Ishkhan Geloyan also plays for Arsenal, but he received his call-ups while playing for a different club.

For the 23-year-old midfielder, this is a return to the national squad after a long absence. Previously, he was not called up under coach Oleksandr Petrakov — the reason being his refusal to attend training camp while playing for Baltika, citing a heavy schedule in the First League.

Since his winter transfer to Arsenal Tula, Avanesyan has been consistently getting playing time — he has already played 10 matches for his new club. His call-up may also be linked to personnel issues within the national team, notably the injury to Ugochukwu Iwu sustained in the last match against Khimki.

Avanesyan has one appearance for the senior national team and six for the U21s. The upcoming matches will be a chance for him not only to prove himself again at the international level, but also to regain the trust of the fans and coaching staff.