Which Premier League Teams Will Lose the Most Players to AFCON?

The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is set to commence earlier than usual this year, with up to 17 Premier League clubs potentially impacted as players travel to Morocco. The tournament runs from 21 December to 18 January, and clubs will have to release their players, although the specific dates remain uncertain. Players could miss up to six or seven Premier League matches, depending on their teams' progression in the tournament.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations will significantly affect Premier League clubs as players depart for the tournament. With the competition kicking off on 21 December, clubs are bracing for the absence of key players during the busy festive period. The lack of clarity regarding when clubs must release players has left many teams in a state of uncertainty. As clubs prepare for this disruption, they must strategise to maintain their form in domestic competitions.

Key takeaways

• Afcon runs from 21 December to 18 January, affecting many Premier League clubs.
• Players could miss up to seven matches, including league and cup games.
• Sunderland is set to be the most affected team with seven players leaving for the tournament.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline outlines key dates leading to the Africa Cup of Nations:

• 21 December 2023: Afcon tournament begins in Morocco.
• 31 December 2023: Group stages conclude.
• 18 January 2024: Afcon final scheduled.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent reports highlight the uncertainty surrounding the release dates for players. As clubs await official announcements, they are preparing for various scenarios based on players' participation and tournament outcomes.

What was already established

It was previously known that the tournament would impact several Premier League clubs, with many teams losing key players. The extent of the impact varies by team, with Sunderland facing the most significant disruption.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Fans may experience changes in team performances during the festive fixtures due to the absence of key players. This could affect attendance at matches and viewership, impacting club revenues.

Businesses and jobs

Clubs may need to adjust their strategies for the festive fixtures, potentially impacting staff and player roles. Some players may need to step up, affecting their career trajectories.

Policy and regulation

The Premier League will likely need to address scheduling conflicts that arise due to the tournament, impacting how fixtures are arranged during this busy period.

Numbers that matter

• 17: Number of Premier League clubs potentially affected by player absences.
• 7: Players from Sunderland set to miss matches due to Afcon.
• 6–7: Matches players could miss, depending on their teams' progression.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Afcon: Africa Cup of Nations, a biennial international football tournament contested by the national teams of Africa.
• Premier League: The top tier of professional football in England.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Clubs should prepare for the potential loss of key players and develop strategies to mitigate the impact on performance. This may involve rotation of squad players and adjusting training schedules.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-tournament, clubs will need to assess the fitness and form of returning players, while also preparing for the second half of the season with a tight fixture schedule.

Signals to watch

• Fixture announcements for the festive period.
• Injury updates on players returning from Afcon.
• Player performances in the lead-up to the tournament.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on player statuses as the tournament approaches.
• Follow club communications regarding fixture changes and player absences.

Don’t

• Assume all players will be available for festive fixtures without checking their participation in Afcon.
• Ignore the potential impact of player absences on team performance.

Checklist

• Verify which players are leaving for Afcon.
• Monitor fixture changes related to player absences.
• Assess squad depth and readiness for upcoming matches.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There remains uncertainty regarding the exact release dates for players and the extent of their potential absence. Clubs are also unsure how many matches their players may miss, depending on tournament progression and individual player performances.

Bottom line

The Africa Cup of Nations will have a substantial impact on Premier League teams, especially Sunderland, which could lose several key players. Clubs must prepare for potential disruptions, strategise player rotations, and remain agile as the tournament approaches.

FAQs

Which Premier League players could feature at Afcon?

Several Premier League players are expected to feature at Afcon, including Mohamed Salah from Liverpool and Bryan Mbeumo from Manchester United, among others.

When does the Africa Cup of Nations start?

The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on 21 December 2023 and runs until 18 January 2024.

How many matches could players miss due to Afcon?

Players may miss up to six or seven matches, depending on how far their teams progress in the tournament.