Arjun Menon
Premier League Clubs Bracing for Afcon Player Exodus
The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is set to disrupt the Premier League earlier than usual this year, with up to 17 clubs potentially affected as players head to Morocco for the tournament. Running from 21 December to 18 January, Afcon could see players miss up to six or even seven Premier League matches, along with FA Cup and Carabao Cup fixtures, if they reach the final.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds are among the fortunate few with no players participating. However, Sunderland and Wolves face significant absences, with Sunderland potentially losing seven key players.
Key Clubs and Their Afcon Absentees
Aston Villa will miss Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand, who has started just five Premier League matches this season. Bournemouth could lose attacking midfielder Amine Adli, though he has only started one league game since joining in the summer.
Read also: Premier League Reschedules Arsenal and Crystal Palace Fixtures to Ease December Congestion
Brentford faces the departure of club-record signing Dango Ouattara, who has scored twice this season, and midfielder Frank Onyeka, who has seen limited action.
Brighton will be without Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, a near ever-present this season. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace could lose Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr, who has scored eight goals this term, along with potential departures of Christantus Uche, Chadi Riad, and Cheick Doucoure, though the latter two are recovering from injuries.
Everton will lose two starters to Senegal: forward Iliman Ndiaye and midfielder Idrissa Gueye. Fulham could see three players join the Nigeria squad, including midfielder Alex Iwobi and defender Calvin Bassey, who have been ever-present this season.
Liverpool will miss one of their greatest players, Mohamed Salah, who is set to represent Egypt. Manchester City could lose forward Omar Marmoush and left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, though both have been sidelined by injuries.
Manchester United will see departures of forward Bryan Mbeumo, and wing-backs Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui. Newcastle might lose forward Yoane Wissa, though his return from injury is uncertain.
Nottingham Forest could lose up to four players, including midfielder Ibrahim Sangare and forward Taiwo Awoniyi, though the latter has not featured this season. Sunderland, currently fourth in the league, will be the hardest hit, potentially losing seven players, including key figures like Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra.
Tottenham might lose midfielders Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma, though Bissouma has not played this season. West Ham will be without starting full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf. Wolves, bottom of the table, will lose five players, including regulars like forward Tolu Arokodare and defender Jackson Tchatchoua.