ALI Al-Habsi could miss three games in January if Wanderers grant him permission to play in the Gulf Cup.

After winning the best goalkeeper award on three consecutive occasions at the biannual tournament, the Oman international is desperate to play in this year’s competition, which will be played in his own country.

Al-Habsi was recently given Oman’s top civil award for his services to football but would miss Wanderers’ FA Cup game at Sunderland and games against Arsenal and Manchester United if he is given the go-ahead to feature in the Middle East.

As the Gulf Cup is not FIFA sanctioned, the club could insist he stays at the Reebok. But the keeper – who is out of contract in the summer – is likely to be allowed to feature, with youngster Adam Bogdan stepping up to deputise for Jussi Jaaskelainen.