McLeish is disappointed to be losing Djourou

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has failed in an attempt to extend the loan deal of Arsenal defender Johan Djourou.

The 20-year-old has been at St Andrews since the start of this term and McLeish wanted to keep him for the remainder of the season.

McLeish told the Birmingham Mail: "Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has told me he is taking him back in January.

"He will be a loss, for sure. It is disappointing that he is not going to be with us for much longer."

Arsenal will need Djourou to cover for centre-back Kolo Toure in January and February while he plays for the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations.

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The Gunners are also facing a spell without Emmanuel Eboue, who damaged knee ligaments in Sunday's 1-0 win over against Chelsea.

McLeish conceded: "You have to respect Arsenal's decision.

"Johan is a big presence of a boy, no doubt about that, and those kind of players seem to be a feature of many a squad in the Premier League."

Djourou will be available to play for the Blues on Saturday, when they travel to Bolton.