Arsenal boss Unai Emery says he decided Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac were not mentally ready to play in Sunday’s Emirates Cup defeat to Lyon after they were the victims of an attempted carjacking.
The pair were attacked by an armed gang earlier this week, with videos on social media showing Bosnian defender Kolasinac warding off the culprits.
Both players escaped unharmed, and were said to be available to play in Arsenal’s only home fixture of their preseason campaign, but were left out of the squad on Subday.
A double from Moussa Dembele ensured their absence was felt as the Gunners were beaten 2-1 by the French side, and afterwards Emery explained his decision.
“Every player is very important in the team,” Emery said. “But also each moment and some circumstances give us a decision between the player and us.
“It's not a good moment to play because their mind is not now 100 per cent. It's a very personal circumstance and the most important thing now is that they can feel good, they can feel safe, they can feel calm with their family.
“They came this morning but I spoke to them and decided it was best to continue their resting with their families and wait for a few days to hopefully come and start normally with the team.”
