The Gunners boss may irk some African officials with his advice, in a similar way to Sir Alex Ferguson was once criticised for supposedly requesting Ryan Giggs choose to play for England rather than Wales.

Obviously, the Frenchman's verdict has more to do with his own interests in terms of having Shaaban available for domestic action, rather than any particular snub to Egypt.

"I wanted to check up what he felt about choosing a national team," revealed the keeper.

"To play in Europe is a step better than playing in the African Cup of Nations.

"He (Wenger) also pointed out that I should try to value where the chances to play are the best.

"For my own part, it's just flattering, but it is hard to make a choice," he told Expressen.

"Wenger, of course, wants his players to be available.

"From his point of view, it is better if I choose to play for Sweden.

"During the coming months, it will be shown what is most suitable to me."

The Arsenal man will be back to fitness soon, but faces a struggle to displace David Seaman, who returned to the team during the goalless draw with Valencia.

"The injury is not that serious," he stated. "I will be back in a week or so.

"I can't kick for real now, but it will come soon.

"It is real nice that it will be such a short time," he told Dagbladet.

"At first, you thought it would be up to three weeks.

"Arsenal have confidence in Seaman," he added, in reference to the England number one.

"It's not easy to just move a player who has got a very strong position.

"But I am not the kind of person who complains when he doesn't get to play."