How Will the Premier League Handle AFCON Absences?

The Premier League is heading into its busiest period of the season, with the festive fixtures promising intense matches every week. 

But this year, many clubs will face a significant challenge: the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, running from December 21 to January 18. Several teams will be missing key African players for up to six league games, plus the FA Cup third round.

While this could disrupt some clubs, it may also open opportunities for others. Arsenal, for example, are among six Premier League teams who won’t be losing any players to the tournament.

Who is Heading to AFCON?

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is the marquee Premier League name going to Morocco. Although Salah has had an up-and-down few weeks including a brief row with manager Arne Slot, he is expected to feature for Egypt. 

His absence might not hurt Liverpool as much as in previous AFCON tournaments, given that he hasn’t started their last five matches.

Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush will also join Egypt in their hunt to win their first AFCON since 2010. Other Premier League players heading to the tournament include Bryan Mbeumo for Cameroon, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye for Senegal, and Amad Diallo for Ivory Coast. 

Fulham will lose three Nigerians, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze while Noussair Mazraoui will look to shine with hosts Morocco.

Some top scorers will remain, though. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, the highest scoring African in the Premier League this season, will not be leaving, as Ghana did not qualify.

Who will be most affected?

Sunderland, having started their season strongly as a promoted team, are set to be hardest hit. The Black Cats will be without wingers Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco) and Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso), full-back Reinildo (Mozambique), Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra, and DR Congo duo Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki. 

Their depleted squad could have a major impact as they host second-placed Manchester City on January 1.

Manchester United will also feel the impact, particularly on the right side of their attack. Alongside Mbeumo, Diallo and Mazraoui will depart for their national teams, leaving Ruben Amorim to reorganize his squad just as United were starting to click.

Who will be the least affected?

Despite the disruption, most Premier League teams won’t feel a huge impact. Six clubs, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Leeds, and Newcastle have no players departing for AFCON. 

Manchester City’s Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri have barely featured this season, so their absence is minor. Liverpool will only lose Salah, and Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma hasn’t yet played under Thomas Frank.