Kanu to rescue as he skips cup duty

Arsene Wenger said today he owes Nwankwo Kanu a debt of gratitude for coming to Arsenal's rescue.

Kanu was due to report this week for international duty with Nigeria in the African Nations Cup, which starts on 24 January in Tunisia.

With Jeremie Aliadiere, Dennis Bergkamp and Sylvain Wiltord all out injured, Wenger would have been forced into either a major tactical reshuffle, with Freddie Ljungberg moving up front, or to give 19-year-old David Bentley his Premiership debut at Aston Villa on Sunday.

But Kanu pleaded with the Nigerian FA to delay his release to allow him to play on Sunday. He even asked them to extend his leave and Wenger believes there is a chance he might be available for the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough at Highbury next Tuesday.

"It is fantastic for us," said Wenger. "We are very short of strikers and it is a relief that he is available."

Kolo Toure is fit again after recovering from a bruised foot but Wenger may opt to keep Lauren at right-back.

Gilberto Silva may also be on the bench with him as Wenger considers a central midfield partnership of Patrick Vieira and Ray Parlour.

Ashley Cole is expected to be available after worries over a shoulder injury.