Soccer: Gunners face battle over Kanu

ARSENAL are facing a potential battle with Nigeria over Kanu’s release date for the African Nations’ Cup finals.

Arsene Wenger had been hoping Kanu would be allowed to join up with his international team-mates on January 18 after his side's Barclaycard Premiership fixture at Aston Villa.

After all, with Sylvain Wiltord and Dennis Bergkamp ruled out of action for at least another 10 days, they are set to miss Arsenal's next three games against Everton, Middlesbrough and Villa.

However, FIFA's rules on the release of players for international tournaments clearly state that they must be allowed to join up with their countries 14 days before the start of the competition.

With the African Nations' Cup kicking off on January 25, that means Kanu can play against Everton tonight and Boro on Saturday, but could be suspended from playing against Villa even if he did not join up with Nigeria.

Arsenal could request a delay from the Nigerian FA, with compatriot Jay-Jay Okocha expected to be allowed to join up on January 16 after Bolton's FA Cup third round replay against second division Tranmere.