The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has the potential to significantly disrupt the schedules of Premier League clubs, particularly Manchester United and Manchester City. The tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2023 to January 18, 2024, coincides with a busy period in the English football calendar, which may see up to 47 players from the league absent due to national duties.
While some teams, such as Arsenal, will not face any disruption—having no African players in their first-team squad—others like Sunderland could find themselves missing as many as nine players. This disparity in player availability could have a profound impact on a season where every match counts, especially for clubs vying for title contention.
The situation poses a unique challenge for Manchester United, who may experience one of the largest impacts among the Premier League’s heavyweight clubs. Manager Ruben Amorim could be without up to four key players during the tournament. Although the potential absence of goalkeeper Andre Onana, currently on loan at Trabzonspor, may not drastically affect the squad, the loss of others like Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo from the Ivory Coast, and Noussair Mazraoui from Morocco could be critical.
Manchester City also faces challenges, particularly regarding the participation of Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush and summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is expected to represent Algeria. The loss of these players could affect City’s tactical options and performance on the pitch.
Key Players and Teams Affected
Liverpool’s participation in AFCON will be marked by the absence of their star player, Mohamed Salah, who will be representing Egypt. Despite a less productive season thus far, his absence could hinder manager Arne Slot‘s ambitions for the title defense.
Sunderland stands out as the club facing the largest number of potential absentees. They could miss nine players, including prominent names such as Chemsdine Talbi and Habib Diarra. Other clubs like Burnley, Fulham, and Nottingham Forest will also experience some disruption, with several players set to compete for their respective national teams.
The AFCON tournament will feature 24 teams, with host nation Morocco considered among the favorites to win. Clubs with Moroccan players, such as United, Bournemouth, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace, may face substantial challenges if their players advance deep into the tournament.
As the tournament approaches, clubs will need to strategize effectively to mitigate the impact of missing key players. With the Premier League’s competitive nature, teams must navigate this tricky period with resilience and adaptability. The outcomes of these selections could very well influence the direction of the season for many clubs as they strive for success in both domestic and international competitions.
