Afcon Blow Hits Premier League Clubs Ahead Of Busy Run
Premier League managers are bracing for a difficult period as the Africa Cup of Nations strips several clubs of key first team players, forcing tactical reshuffles and squad depth tests during a demanding stretch of fixtures.
The Africa Cup of Nations is set to leave a noticeable dent in the Premier League, with multiple clubs losing influential players just as the season enters a decisive phase. From title challengers to relegation battlers, the tournament is already reshaping team selections and matchday plans.
Sunderland are the hardest hit, with six players unavailable after being called up. Diarra, Masuaku, Reinildo, Sadiki, Talbi and Traore will all be absent, a situation that significantly weakens the squad and places extra responsibility on fringe players to step up.
Several mid table sides are also feeling the strain. Burnley will be without Foster, Mejbri and Tuanzebe, while Fulham lose defensive stability and creativity through the departures of Bassey, Chukwueze and Iwobi. Manchester United must cope without Amad, Mazraoui and Mbeumo, reducing options both in attack and wide areas.
Brentford and Everton each lose two players, with Onyeka and Ouattara departing for Brentford, and Gueye and Ndiaye leaving Everton short in midfield. Manchester City are not spared either, as Ait Nouri and Marmoush head to international duty, forcing rotation in an already packed schedule.
Nottingham Forest, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers also see two players each leave for AFCON, further highlighting how widespread the impact is across the league. Even clubs losing a single player are affected, with Liverpool without Salah, Tottenham missing P Sarr, Crystal Palace losing I Sarr and Brighton forced to cope without Baleba.
As AFCON progresses, Premier League coaches will be judged on how well they adapt. Squad depth, youth integration and tactical flexibility could prove decisive, with dropped points during this period potentially shaping the title race, European qualification battles and the fight for survival.
