The substitution of Inter midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan early on during the second half of this evening’s friendly match against Sassuolo was a precaution.

This according to Italian broadcaster Sky Sport Italia, via FCInter1908, who report that the reason for the 33-year-old coming off during the 49th minute was that he felt a slight knock and no risks were taken with his fitness.

Mkhitaryan started for Inter against Sassuolo in the team’s final friendly of the World Cup break.

The Armenian former Roma and Borussia Dortmund player came out for the start of the second half with the rest of the team as well.

However, after just a few minutes played in the second half, Mkhitaryan was removed for Roberto Gagliardini.

It was not immediately clear what the reason was for this substitution, or if the 33-year-old had suffered an injury.

According to Sky, Mkhitaryan was brought off as a precaution to avoid injury.