Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says the timing of the African Cup of Nations means the continent's players will find it difficult to join major teams. Wenger expects to lose at least two men for around four weeks over January and February for the 2008 event in Ghana.

"(Organizers) know more players play in Europe for the big clubs, who don't want to pay the price," Wenger said.

"That means it will be detrimental to the African players as the big clubs will not give them a chance any more."

The absence of Ivory Coast players Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue could be a severe blow for the Gunners as the current Premier League leaders seek their first title since 2004.

"You don't want to lose a championship because the players have to go in that period," Wenger said.

"Usually the players come back very tired and you lose them not just for that period but much longer."

The 2008 African Cup runs from 20 January to 10 February, instead of the current biennial format at the start of the year, Wenger called for the tournament to be held every four years in June.