Arsenal news: Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac ‘not mentally ready’ to return after knife attack

The pair were omitted from the Emirates Cup defeat to Lyon after a gang attempted a carjacking in north London

Arsenal duo Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac are not mentally ready to play, Unai Emery admitted after omitting the duo from the friendly against Lyon following a knife attack last week.

The pair were caught up in a carjacking attempt by a gang in north London near Kolasinac’s home on Thursday.

The Bosnian fended off the assailants, who brandished knives, before escaping unhurt.

And despite Kolasinac claiming on social media that the pair were “fine”, Emery has revealed they were “not ready” after Lyon triumphed 2-1 in the Emirates Cup.

“This morning they came here but weren’t ready to play the match,” said Emery.

“Every player is very important in the team, 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%. 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.

Unai Emery insists Ozil and Kolasinac were not ready to face Lyon (Action Images via Reuters)

“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.

“We are going to see each day. Tomorrow we are going to check again how they are.”