Alex Song: Arsenal Will Cope During African Cup of Nations

By Alan Dawson

Arsenal will be without Alexandre Song while the Cameroon midfielder is on international duty during the African Cup of Nations, but the 22-year-old believes the Gunners will not lament his absence.

The north London club have begun the season in exemplary form, notching a number of impressive wins and with the defensive midfielder proving to be a valuable member of the team.

Song, though, believes Chelsea will be the hardest hit during the January tournament, with the respective absences of John Obi Mikel, Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, and Salomon Kalou.

Song told Sky Sports: "It's good because we won't lose too many players.

"If you have too many African players it can be difficult. Chelsea have maybe four of them and we have just two and that's not too bad. I think we have the squad to be able to cope with that.

"We have the quality and when we go to the African Cup I am confident Arsenal will do well.

"Denilson can provide cover [for me]. He is injured now but I hope he will be back playing in the next few months."