Styopa Mkrtchyan returns to action after two months out

Armenia national team defender Styopa Mkrtchyan has recovered from injury and played his first match in around two months.

The 23-year-old started for Nurnberg in a friendly against Ingolstadt and spent around an hour on the pitch. Miroslav Klose's side won the match 3-1.

The Armenian defender had been sidelined for approximately two months while recovering from injury. Mkrtchyan was initially called up to the Armenia squad for the October UEFA Nations League matches, but the injury prevented him from joining the national team and he remained with his club to continue his rehabilitation.

Mkrtchyan's return is also important news for Armenia, who have faced serious personnel problems in central defence during the current international window. In addition to Styopa, Sergey Muradyan and Julio Bueno have also been unavailable because of injuries.

The absence of several centre-backs significantly reduced the options available to Armenia head coach Yeghishe Melikyan and forced the coaching staff to make changes in defence.

Mkrtchyan will now look to gradually regain full match fitness in official 2. Bundesliga games. If his recovery continues without complications and he receives sufficient playing time at club level, he could return to the Armenia squad for the November international window.

Armenia will play their final UEFA Nations League group-stage matches against Cyprus and Latvia in November.

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