Arsenal could be without Mohamed Elneny for around a month after it was confirmed he will play for Egypt at the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

Arsene Wenger has revealed that the 24-year-old defensive midfielder is part of the Pharaohs squad that will travel over to Gabon for next year's edition of the AFCON.

Elneny will be in the Gunners squad for the New Year's Day meeting with Crystal Palace but will leave the club the following day.

"He's going to the Africa Cup of Nations on January 2," said Wenger.

"He will be in the squad against Crystal Palace on New Year's Day but after he will leave us to play for Egypt."

Seven-time winners Egypt open their campaign against Mali on January 17 before taking on Uganda on January 21 and Ghana on January 25.

If Egypt progress to the final of the tournament, Elneny may not be back in North London until after February 5.