the France squad will be a "small handicap" at Euro 2016,
but maintains his side have other options.
Benzema is currently suspended from Les Bleus pending an
investigation into his role in a plot to extort money from
team-mate Mathieu Valbuena, and French Football
Federation president Noel Le Graet has stressed that the
striker will not be involved in the Euros unless he has been
exonerated.
That means France will have to do without a forward who
has scored 16 goals in 15 league games for his domestic
side Real Madrid this term, but Koscielny thinks his country
can cope.
"Without Karim, we would take a small handicap to the
Euros," the Arsenal defender told Journal du Dimanche. "But
we have alternatives.
"Both players must be saddened to find themselves in this
situation. They love Les Bleus and have done a lot for the
team."
Koscielny, though, asserted his belief that France can win
the Euros on home soil.
"I believe, of course," he said. "Our group is winnable, but
we must always be careful. There will be an incredible
expectation.
"Since the World Cup, we have felt a solidarity amongst
the group, happy to be together with young people
surrounded by some old.
"We will live for one and a half months together, it is
necessary that the atmosphere is good."
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