Hull midfielder Seyi Olofinjana was due to report for training on
that date with his national team ahead of next month's African
Nations Cup.
The 29-year-old is hoping to delay his departure until after
the FA Cup tie at Wigan on January 2 - meaning he could also play
against Bolton on December 29 - but at the very least should be
free for the Barclays Premier League clash with United at the KC
Stadium.
Olofinjana, who only recently returned from a hamstring
injury, said: "I will have to play the United game.
"If I can help the club, help myself and get some points for
the club before I go that would be helpful.
"I got injured playing for Nigeria and was out for a month.
Now that I am fit it would be very unwise to just get off again and
go to Nigeria. "The last thing I want to do is just shoot off.
"If possible I will be available for the FA Cup game on Jan 2
as well, but we are still in the process (of negotiations)."
Olofinjana, who joined Hull in a £3million move from
Stoke last summer, believes the scheduling of the African Nations
Cup needs to be reviewed.
With many African players now playing in Europe, Olofinjana
feels the biennial tournament, traditionally held in January,
should be moved. He said: "We are looking forward to it but
personally I don't think it is a good time to hold a competition,
especially for the African players playing abroad.
"The Premier League is the best competition in the world and
you don't want to miss it.
"Why the confederation of African football have this
tournament at this time, I don't know. I don't think it is
sensible." This year's tournament begins on January 10. Hull are
also expected to have Kamel Ghilas (Algeria) and Daniel Cousin
(Gabon) involved.
