Cesc Fabregas: Alex Song's Nations Cup absence is a chance for young midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Fran Merida

ARSENAL club captain Cesc Fabregas today challenged youngsters Aaron Ramsey and Fran Merida to take their chance in the first team in the absence of Alex Song. He said Song's duties at the African Cup of Nations in Angola gave them the chance to shine in the first eleven. Song has been on an outstanding run for the Gunners but played his last game before joining up with the Cameroon national team last week against West Ham. Fabregas told the matchday magazine ahead of today's match against Everton: It's a great opportunity for the likes of Aaron and Fran to take a step up. It's all down to the good work you do in training and when you get the chance to play, you have to take it."