Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny says he won't shy way from the physical battles of the Premiership.

Koscielny returns from suspension against Blackburn tomorrow, and, with fellow new arrival Sebastien Squillaci not set to be involved, will partner Thomas Vermaelen at the centre of defence.

"I work hard and never give up. On man marking, I don't let the striker breathe," Koscielny declared.

"I love one-on-one challenges because they are a physical, technical and mental challenge. It is a big battle - part bluff, part judgement.

"My aim is never to let the striker open on his good foot to go towards the goal. You have to be very intelligent to win those sorts of challenges."

Koscielny added in the September edition of the official Arsenal magazine: "I don't have the technical genius of Cristiano Ronaldo or the physical strength of Nemanja Vidic, but I fight hard with my own qualities.

"I have worked so hard to reach the top and I am not going to stop there."