The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is set to disrupt the Premier League season, with matches scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This mid-season tournament will see a significant number of top-flight players depart for international duty, leaving just three clubs—Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds—unaffected. Here is a rundown of how the other 18 teams will be impacted.
The Heavily Affected Teams
Sunderland is projected to be the most impacted, with a potential seven players heading to AFCON. Their squad depth will be severely tested as key players like Habib Diarra (Senegal) and Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique) are expected to be called up. The Black Cats will also be without new recruit Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso), among others.
Manchester United could lose a quartet of players, including summer signing Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) and key defender Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco). While goalkeeper Andre Onana’s departure for Cameroon might not be a major concern due to his recent lack of playing time, the absences of Mbeumo and Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) will certainly be felt.
Fulham and Nottingham Forest also face potential triple blows. Fulham’s deadline-day loan signing Samuel Chukwueze will likely join fellow Nigerians Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi. For Nottingham Forest, Nigerian defender Ola Aina and Ivory Coast midfielder Ibrahim Sangare are significant losses, while striker Taiwo Awoniyi (Nigeria) and Willy Boly (Ivory Coast) could also be away.
Clubs with Major Absentees
Despite having only one expected absentee, Liverpool will be hit hard by the departure of Mohamed Salah (Egypt). . The Egyptian forward is integral to the club’s success, and while the team has attacking options like Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, his absence will leave a considerable void.
Everton will see their attacking options reduced with Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal) heading to Morocco. Veteran midfielder Idrissa Gueye and defender Adam Aznou could also be called up. Similarly, Crystal Palace will miss Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr, whose creativity and goals are crucial for the team.
Newcastle and West Ham will also be without key summer signings. Newcastle’s new forward Yoane Wissa (DR Congo) will be absent, while West Ham will lose new left-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo) and defender El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal).
Other Affected Clubs
Several other teams will lose important players. Aston Villa’s new signing Evann Guessand will be away with Ivory Coast, putting more pressure on Ollie Watkins. Bournemouth will miss Amine Adli (Morocco), and Brighton will be without midfielder Carlos Baleba (Cameroon).
Brentford could be without three players, including new arrival Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso) and midfielder Frank Onyeka (Nigeria). Burnley will see Lyle Foster lead the line for South Africa, with Manuel Benson (Angola) and Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia) also departing.
Manchester City will have a gap to fill with the absences of Egypt forward Omar Marmoush and Algeria’s Rayan Ait-Nouri. Tottenham will lose key midfielder Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal), which will be a significant challenge. Finally, Wolves will miss new striker Tolu Arokodare (Nigeria) and defender Emmanuel Agbadou (Ivory Coast).
