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19th Nov 2015

Arsene Wenger reveals the toll the Paris attacks have taken on Laurent Koscielny

Traumatised

Patrick McCarry

The severity of last weekend’s multiple terrorist attacks in Paris will linger long in the memory.

Laurent Koscielny was one of the French players in action at Stade de France when it was subjected to attempted entries by suicide bombers.

A loud explosion filled the air, outside the ground, as France played Germany. After the game, both sets of players remained in the ground as authorities tried to get a handle on the unfolding terrorist attacks across the city.

On Tuesday, Koscielny was one of eight Premier League-based players in the France squad that took on England at Wembley.

England v France - International Friendly

Arsene Wenger, the defender’s boss at Arsenal, was at the ground for England’s 2-0 win and was perturbed by what he saw.

This afternoon, Wenger said, “You could see that on Tuesday night he [Koscielny] was not himself.

“It affected him deeply and I didn’t recognise the player I saw on Friday night on Tuesday night.

“I will talk with him. What I will want from him is that he’s completely committed and feels ready. If not, I will not play him [against West Brom on Saturday].”