Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed that defender Laurent Koscielny could miss this weekend’s clash with West Bromwich Albion after he was “deeply affected” by last Friday’s terrorist attacks in Paris, the Daily Express reports.
The defender was on the pitch during Friday’s friendly between France and Germany when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside of the Stade de France.
And the 30-year-old was visibly upset during the national anthems ahead of Tuesday evening’s game between France and England at Wembley.
At his press conference, Wenger said he “didn’t recognise” Koscielny as a player during the match.
“He had a fantastic game against Germany. And you could see that on Tuesday night he was not himself. It affected him deeply and I didn’t recognise the player I saw on Friday night on Tuesday night,” Wenger said.
“I will talk with him. I have not talked to him yet, but I will talk to him to see if he is completely recovered and focused.
“It’s a big game for us. You have to trust the player in these kind of situations. Today in the Premier League you don’t get away with it with 80% focus. You have to be completely committed.
“What I will want from him is that he’s completely committed and feels ready. If not, I will not play him.”
However, Wenger was given one boost with the news that young full-back Hector Bellerin will be back in the squad after recovering from a recent hamstring injury.
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