The competition starts on 22nd January, and FIFA rules allow Nigeria to demand their attendance 14 days in advance. But, especially with Bergkamp's return still in the balance, Arsenal are determined to keep Kanu until after the FA Cup tie with Leicester at least.

Given the ongoing contract situation with Kanu, it's nice to read that the player has taken positive action. According to Soccernet he declined to go to Spain for a match against a Basque side yesterday, as Nigerian had expected him to, and instead he has asked them to allow him to stay at Highbury until January 10th, if not longer. He is quoted as saying, "I want to show how important Arsenal are to me and that I am willing to help them out".

It is still likely that Nigeria will take a hard line. Perhaps Arsenal have decided that the worst they'll get is a fine, and that Kanu's presence is worth it. Certainly, he was a class apart against Leeds on the 28th. Mind you, so were the whole Arsenal team!