Wenger to steer clear of January sales

By Timothy Collings

LONDON COLNEY (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled out a move in the January transfer market to strengthen his Premier League leaders.

Asked if he planned any signings, particularly with players like Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure at the African Nations Cup, Wenger told a news conference on Friday: "We can cope.

"I have looked at our programme through to February 10 and I am sure we will be alright," he said, with an eye on the finals in Ghana which run from January 20 to February 10.

"We had hoped that (Alex) Song might not be involved, but he was named in Cameroon's 23-man squad."

Justin Hoyte, a reserve who played in central defence during Wednesday's 1-1 draw with local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup semi-finals, could now get a run in the side.

"I know I can depend on him as well," he said. "And we have Gilberto, too, who can play very well as a centre-back even he does not enjoy it."

Looking ahead, Dutch forward Robin van Persie will miss Saturday's league game with Birmingham City due to a bout of flu', but defender Swiss defender Philippe Senderos passed a fitness test on Friday.

"Robin is in bed. We haven't seen him since Wednesday night," Wenger said.

(Editing by Trevor Huggins)