The Premier League's hectic festive schedule is set for a significant twist as clubs prepare to lose key personnel to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament, hosted by Morocco, runs from December 21 until January 18, directly clashing with English football's busiest period.
Premier League Stars Answer the Continental Call
Several top-flight teams will see their squads depleted, with players departing for national duty. The marquee name heading to Morocco is Liverpool's Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah. His departure comes amid a turbulent period at Anfield, following a public outburst against manager Arne Slot. Despite recently mending fences and featuring in the win over Brighton, Salah's absence will be felt.
He will be joined by Manchester City's Omar Marmoush as Egypt chase their first AFCON title since 2010. Manchester United's new signing, Bryan Mbeumo, will lead Cameroon's charge for a sixth crown. The tournament will also see the departure of Senegal's talented duo, Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr and Everton's Iliman Ndiaye.
Notably, Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, the Premier League's highest-scoring African this season, will remain with his club as Ghana failed to qualify.
Sunderland and Manchester United Face Major Disruption
The club set to be hardest hit is surprise package Sunderland. The promoted side, enjoying their best start in nearly two decades, will lose a staggering six players. Their absentees include wingers Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco) and Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso), full-back Reinildo (Mozambique), midfielder Habib Diarra (Senegal), and DR Congo pair Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki.
This depletion could have a direct impact on the title race, as Sunderland are scheduled to host second-placed Manchester City on January 1 at the Stadium of Light, where they remain unbeaten this season.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim also faces a headache, with his right-sided attack dismantled. Alongside Mbeumo, Ivorian winger Amad Diallo will depart, while Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui joins the host nation's squad. Fulham will lose a trio of Nigerian internationals: Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Clubs Spared the AFCON Exodus
Despite the tournament's shift into the heart of the Premier League calendar, the disruption for many will be minimal. Six clubs will not lose a single player to the competition: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Leeds, and Newcastle.
For others, the impact is limited. Manchester City's Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri have only two Premier League starts between them this season. Liverpool only loses Salah, while Tottenham's Yves Bissouma (Mali) is yet to feature under new boss Thomas Frank. This uneven distribution of absentees could create unexpected opportunities and shift momentum in the league during a critical phase.
