Toure, Eboue, and Song Leave For ACN

Three Arsenal players have temporarily left Arsenal for the African Cup of Nations, which will take place between January 20th and February 10th.

Alex Song earned a call-up to the Cameroon national team after some impressive Carling Cup performances as a center back. The 20 year-old, who has made 10 appearances this season, has not yet earned his first cap, but will be hoping to do so during the Cup of Nations this January and February.

Emmanuel Eboue has been called up to the Ivory Coast's national side, along with virtual ever-present, Kolo Toure. Eboue, who has appeared 22 times for Arsenal this season, including 15 in the Premiership, will be missed, but can be replaced by a large array of midfield talent. The Ivorian would have been unlikely to feature after the return of Robin van Persie anyway.

Kolo Toure on the other hand, has played the full ninety minutes in 27 games for the club this season, and has been hugely important in the center of defense. One of the candidates for club captaincy last summer, King Kolo has formed a formidable partnership with captain William Gallas, and will be sorely missed.

Although Philippe Senderos is likely to be joined by fellow Switzerland international Johan Djourou, Gallas may well have to step up his game to keep Arsenal's defense watertight, as the former has been error-prone and the latter has yet to reach his best.

Depending on how far their respective teams get into the competition, the three may miss the following games:

January 9..............Carling Cup............Tottenham (h)
January 12............Premier League....Birmingham (h)
January 19............Premier League....Fulham (a)
January 23............Carling Cup............Tottenham (a)
January 26/27......FA Cup Fourth Round (if Arsenal defeat Burnley)
January 29............Premier League....Newcastle United (h)
February 2............Premier League....Manchester City (a)
February 9............Premier League....Blackburn (h)