Wenger accepts loss of African stars

ARSENE WENGER maintains he will not bother approaching the “stubborn” Ivory Coast management over delaying the release of Arsenal duo Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue to play in January’s African Nations’ Cup.

While striker Emmanuel Adebayor could not help Togo qualify for the tournament, which kicks off in Ghana at the turn of the year, the Gunners could be without the two first-team regulars for more than a month. There is also a possibility Alex Song could be called up by Cameroon.

After hosting West Ham on New Year’s Day, Arsenal face an FA Cup third-round tie that weekend, followed by a potential two-legged Carling Cup semi-final, as well as five league games and a possible FA Cup fourth-round date on February 16.