The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to take place in Morocco, with over 30 Premier League players expected to participate. This event coincides with a critical phase of the Premier League season, introducing operational challenges for clubs due to the temporary loss of key personnel. The duration and impact of each player’s absence will depend on their national team’s progress, the fixtures missed, and the depth of their respective squads.

Player absences can be categorized based on their expected impact on club performance: minimal, moderate, significant, and critical. The following analysis ranks Premier League players by the anticipated effect of their AFCON participation on their clubs.

Minimal Impact: Fringe Players and Those Out of Favour

Players with limited club involvement are unlikely to affect team performance during AFCON. For example, Yves Bissouma (Tottenham) has not been a regular starter, and Tottenham possesses sufficient midfield alternatives. Cheikhou Kouyaté (Nottingham Forest) and Tawanda Chirewa (Wolves) have also had minimal playing time, making their absences negligible. Injured players such as Pape Matar Sarr, who has not featured since September, are not expected to be significant losses. Other bit-part players, including Frank Onyeka (Brentford) and Arthur Masuaku (Sunderland), have seen limited action and are not critical to their clubs’ immediate plans.

Moderate Impact: Rotational Players and Those with Adequate Cover

Some clubs will experience moderate disruption due to the absence of rotational players. Rayan Ait-Nouri (Manchester City) has faced competition and injuries, and his absence may provide opportunities for other squad members. Anass Zaroury (Burnley) and Carlos Baleba (Brighton) have had inconsistent seasons, and their clubs have alternative options. Yoane Wissa (Brentford) and Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland) are regulars, but their teams have demonstrated the ability to cope with such absences. Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United) is tactically versatile, but squad depth mitigates the impact. Players like Lyle Foster (Burnley) and Pape Sarr (Tottenham) have not been in peak form, reducing the significance of their departures. Nayef Aguerd (West Ham) and Calvin Bassey (Fulham) also have capable replacements available.

Significant Impact: Key Contributors and Irreplaceable Talents

Clubs with multiple or essential players departing for AFCON face greater challenges. Fulham will lose both Alex Iwobi and Antonee Robinson, who are integral to the team’s left flank. Crystal Palace will be without Ismaïla Sarr, whose pace is a unique asset. Nottingham Forest’s Orel Mangala is a key midfield presence, and with Ryan Yates injured, the club’s midfield depth is compromised. Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye is a central figure in midfield, and his absence coincides with a difficult fixture list. West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus is a primary creative outlet, and his loss will be felt. Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) has contributed six goals in 15 games, and his absence will necessitate tactical adjustments.

Critical Impact: Club Icons and Game-Changers

The absence of certain players could have a substantial effect on club performance. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) remains the team’s leading contributor, with seven goal involvements this season. His absence will require significant tactical adaptation. Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) has played every Premier League match and contributed six goals; his departure will reduce Everton’s attacking options, especially with challenging fixtures ahead. Aymen Sadiki (Sunderland) is a key defensive midfielder, and his absence may expose weaknesses in the team’s structure. For Fulham, the simultaneous loss of Iwobi and Robinson is particularly detrimental, with Iwobi’s creative influence being especially difficult to replace.

Conclusion

AFCON presents a variable challenge to Premier League clubs, primarily determined by the importance of departing players and the depth of available replacements. While some teams are positioned to manage these absences with minimal disruption, others may experience a measurable decline in performance. The tournament will serve as a test of squad management and adaptability for all affected clubs.