Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects Gervinho to be available for next Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round clash against Sunderland.

The Ivorian is likely to feature in Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final against Zambia after firing the match-winner in the semi's over Mali.

The 24-year-old is due straight back after the tournament but Wenger feels he will more likely feature next Saturday in the fifth round of the FA Cup rather than in the midweek Champions League trip against AC Milan.

"Gervinho is in the final," Wenger told the club's official website.

"I have had him on the phone and sent him some messages a few times.

"He plays in the final and you know what the rule is - 48 hours later he has to be back. I see him playing on Saturday, not on Wednesday."