Premier League teams are bracing for one of the busiest periods of the season over the festive period. However, many squads will be depleted by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which runs in Morocco from December 21 to January 18.
Clubs could be without their African stars for up to six league matches plus the FA Cup third round, but the absence of key players may also provide opportunities for others to shine. Notably, Arsenal are among six Premier League clubs not losing any players to AFCON this year.
Who’s Heading to Morocco?
Mohamed Salah is the marquee Premier League name set for AFCON, though his absence may not impact Liverpool as severely as in previous tournaments. Salah recently hinted that last weekend’s victory over Brighton could have been his final game for the Reds after a tense exchange with manager Arne Slot.
The 33-year-old, who has not started in Liverpool’s last five matches, returned to feature for most of the Brighton game and received a hero’s reception at Anfield.
Salah will be joined by Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, as seven-time winners Egypt aim to win the trophy for the first time since 2010.
Bryan Mbeumo will lead Cameroon’s challenge for a sixth AFCON title following an impressive start to his Manchester United career.
Crystal Palace and Everton will feel the absence of Senegal duo Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, while other Premier League teams will also adjust their line-ups to cope with missing African internationals.
