Arsene Wenger Laments Alex Song Absence, Aaron Ramsey Keen To Establish Himself

Song, though, has one game left in England - the FA Cup third round clash with London rivals West Ham United - before he jets off to aid Cameroon's push for the African Cup of Nations.

And while Wenger is mildly melancholic over his imminent departure, it will present an opportune moment for an extended run in the first team that will presumably be offered to burgeoning Welshman Aaron Ramsey.

"Song has shown again what an important player he is for the team," Wenger said in the Daily Mail. "We will miss him, but will try to keep going at the same level without him.

"We wish him well in the African Nations Cup and for him to come back safely," Arsene added.

Should the Lions Indomptables reach the international competition's final then Song will not return until the end of January, and will likely miss the away trip to Aston Villa and home tie against Manchester United, both contested in the Premier League.

Ramsey, though, is hoping his performance against Portsmouth midweek - in which he scored a stunning goal of his own creation - proves he is ready for duty in England's top flight.

"I would not be here if I did not think I could fill the [midfield] roles, so it could be a big month for me," the teenager said. "I had to do the job against Portsmouth, and I think I did that. The goal was the best one I have scored so far for Arsenal, but it was not about me, it is about the team.

"I want to establish myself as a player in the starting XI and hopefully with opportunities like at Portsmouth, I can show that I am more than capable of playing in the Arsenal team. That is my target."

The Wales international continued by commenting on the club's title tilt on Arsenal TV Online: "We have kept the pressure on and hopefully we can build on that and take that into next year."

"There have been many twists in the league so far, but we have kept going quietly and can keep the pressure on at the top.

"We are confident we can go into every game and win, so we will see where that takes us at the end of the season."

Alan Dawson, Goal.com

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