Laurent Koscielny doubtful for Arsenal after being 'deeply affected' by Paris attacks

Laurent Koscielny could miss Saturday's clash with West Brom

ARSENAL boss Arsene Wenger has revealed Laurent Koscielny could miss Saturday's clash with West Brom after being affected "deeply" by the Paris terror attacks.

 

The defender was playing for France against Germany last Friday as a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the Stade de France.

And on Tuesday, the 30-year-old appeared to be teary before representing his national team against England on an emotional night 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."

 

Wenger, though, has been given a boost in defence with the news that Hector Bellerin is ready to return to action.

Berllerin has missed the last two weeks through injury - missing the Bayern Munich and Tottenham matches - but is back follwing the international break.

Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott remain injured though.

 



Hector Bellerin is set to return to action



And Wenger insists the Gunners have a tough match to overtake City - ahead of their clash with Liverpool at 5.30 - away at the Hawthorns.

“I watched them against Man United and they looked a very well organised team which is absolutely - as always with Tony Pulis - fully committed,” he said.

“On top of that they are in a difficult situation a little bit in the Premier League and you expect what you always expect in the Premier League - a committed, physical, fast game and a game where we cannot afford to make any mistakes.

“I would even say that you don’t even look at the table any more because you know what you get. The difference between the teams has narrowed and today it is more about how much can you be close to your best which will decide the result, more than the team you play against.”