Which Premier League stars will miss January because of AFCON?

The Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is fast approaching, and while the tournament is a highlight of the football calendar, it always brings a headache for Premier League clubs. Running from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, the tournament overlaps with a string of key league fixtures, meaning clubs will be without vital talent for several weeks.

Losing key players for several weeks can change the rhythm of a season, and for some clubs, it could prove the difference between climbing the table and falling behind.

 

Key departures

Perhaps the headline departure will be Mohamed Salah, who is set to join Egypt’s squad for AFCON. Even though this season hasn’t seen him at the same levels that made him one of the Premier League’s deadliest forwards, his absence will still be felt deeply at Liverpool.

Recent reports show tensions between Salah and manager Arne Slot, but even with those issues, losing a player of his experience and quality will be a blow for the Reds across January’s congested fixture list.

At Manchester City, Omar Marmoush has been confirmed in Egypt’s squad. While not an automatic starter every week, Marmoush’s involvement gives City another player unavailable during a crucial period of the season.

Manchester United will also see key players leave for AFCON. Bryan Mbuemo of Cameroon, Amad Diallo of the Ivory Coast, and Noussair Mazraoui of Morocco will all miss Premier League games in January, removing influential options in attack, midfield, and defence for United.

Tottenham will also feel the impact of AFCON, with Pape Matar Sarr named in the Senegal squad. His departure comes at a difficult moment for Spurs, who are already struggling to build momentum with several key players out injured.

 

Further impacts across the league

Several clubs outside the traditional top six will feel the impact too. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba will depart to join Cameroon, leaving a gap in the midfield.

Brentford will lose Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso), who has started to grow into his role in west London and has become a key attacking outlet this season.

Burnley are set to be without both Axel Tuanzebe for DR Congo and Lyle Foster for South Africa, potentially affecting defensive solidity and forward options alike.

Nottingham Forest have two confirmed call-ups with Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare both heading for international duty with the Ivory Coast — a double blow for a side already fighting to build momentum.

Sunderland are among the hardest-hit clubs in the division. Up to four players from their squad — Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo), Noah Sadiki (DR Congo), Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique), and Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso) — have been confirmed for AFCON duty, a significant chunk of their best team.

The struggling West Ham will also feel the impact, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo) and El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal) both called up.

 

Clubs with no one to send

Interestingly, RadioTimes notes that Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds United have no African internationals confirmed in squads so far. That means these sides won’t suffer absences through AFCON departures — a potential advantage, especially for the Gunners as they aim to stretch their lead in the table.