GEREMI is ready to put his Chelsea career at risk by flying out to next month’s African Nations Cup. Cameroon midfielder Geremi could miss up to a month after insisting that he plays in the tournament which kicks off on January 24 and finishes on February 14.
Geremi is expected to join up 10 days before the tournament in Tunisia and could miss up to five Premiership matches and the FA Cup fourth round.
But Geremi, a £7.5m summer signing from Real Madrid, insists he owes it to his country to go to the African Nations Cup and all of the Premiership’s African stars have been told they must report.
Geremi, who is likely to start in the Carling Cup quarter-final at Aston Villa tonight, said: « It is a very difficult decision to make but it is one that I have to take.
« Yes, of course my career is here with Chelsea but they did know about my commitments to my country when they signed me. It is the same for all African players. »
Chelsea also stand to lose Nigerian left-back Celestine Babayaro while their title rivals Arsenal will also be without Kanu and Geremi’s international team-mate Lauren.
Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri is certain to ring the changes against Villa tonight after Saturday’s shock home Premiership defeat to Bolton but will still field a multi-million pound line-up.
By John Cross
