The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to kick off in December, and while it promises to be a thrilling tournament for football fans across the continent, it spells trouble for Premier League clubs. Imagine losing your star players mid-season—that's the reality for many teams. With the tournament falling right in the middle of the European football calendar, clubs are bracing for the impact of missing key players for up to a month. But here's where it gets controversial: while some teams will barely feel the pinch, others could see their season derailed. And this is the part most people miss—the Premier League's global reach means only three clubs (Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds United) will escape unscathed.
At GOAL, we've ranked the 17 affected clubs based on how severely their seasons might be disrupted by AFCON absentees. Let's dive in and explore the potential fallout.
17. Aston Villa
Absentees: 1 - Evann Guessand (Cote d'Ivoire)
Evann Guessand, a summer signing from Nice, hasn't quite lived up to the hype at Aston Villa, scoring just once in 15 games. His absence is unlikely to trouble Unai Emery, who has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal. But is this a missed opportunity for Guessand to prove his worth?
16. Newcastle
Absentees: 1 - Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
Yoane Wissa's move to Newcastle hasn't gone as planned. After missing pre-season and picking up an injury on international duty, he's yet to make his debut. While his absence won't be felt immediately, Eddie Howe could use another goal-scorer. Could Wissa's AFCON stint be the fresh start he needs?
15. Bournemouth
Absentees: 1 - Amine Adli (Morocco)
Bournemouth's thin squad will be tested with Amine Adli's departure. Though he hasn't fully won over Andoni Iraola, the Cherries' high-intensity style relies on every first-team player. Can they find a suitable replacement for his minutes?
14. Manchester City
Absentees: 2 - Omar Marmoush (Egypt), Rayan Ait-Nouri (Algeria)
Manchester City's depth means they can afford to lose Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri. Both have been sidelined with injuries, and Pep Guardiola has openly expressed his desire to trim the squad. Is this a blessing in disguise for City's squad management?
13. Tottenham
Absentees: 1-2 - Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal), Yves Bissouma (Mali)
Pape Matar Sarr has been a standout performer under Thomas Frank, but Yves Bissouma's return from injury could see him join Mali's squad. Mohammed Kudus, however, will stay at Spurs due to Ghana's absence from AFCON. How will Tottenham's midfield cope without Sarr?
12. Brighton
Absentees: 1 - Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)
Carlos Baleba, once a Manchester United target, has struggled this season, but his potential remains undeniable. Brighton will miss his presence, especially given their European commitments. Is Baleba's absence a hidden blow to Brighton's ambitions?
11. Brentford
Absentees: 2 - Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso), Frank Onyeka (Nigeria)
Brentford's summer overhaul has paid off, but losing Dango Ouattara and Frank Onyeka will be a challenge. Ouattara, in particular, has been a standout performer since joining from Bournemouth. Can the Bees maintain their momentum without these key players?
10. West Ham
Absentees: 2 - Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo), El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal)
West Ham's relegation battle will be tougher without first-choice full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf. Nuno Espirito Santo's defensive options are limited, and their absence could expose a fragile backline. Will West Ham's defense crumble under the pressure?
9. Liverpool
Absentees: 1 - Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Liverpool's biggest loss will be Mohamed Salah, even if he hasn't been at his best this season. The 'Egyptian King' remains a world-class threat, and his absence will be keenly felt. Can Liverpool use this as an opportunity to rebuild their attack?
8. Crystal Palace
Absentees: 3-4 - Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), Christantus Uche (Nigeria), Chadi Riad (Morocco), Cheick Doucoure (Mali)
Ismaila Sarr's potential month-long absence is a nightmare for Crystal Palace, especially with their European and cup commitments. Oliver Glasner's small squad will be stretched to its limits. Can Palace survive without their star winger?
7. Nottingham Forest
Absentees: 3-4 - Ibrahim Sangare, Willy Boly (both Cote d'Ivoire), Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina (both Nigeria)
Nottingham Forest's relegation battle will be complicated by the loss of up to four players, including key starters Ibrahim Sangare and Ola Aina. Sean Dyche's side will need to dig deep to stay afloat. Is this the final straw for Forest's Premier League survival?
6. Burnley
Absentees: 3 - Lyle Foster (South Africa), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)
Burnley's fight against relegation will be tested with the loss of Lyle Foster, Axel Tuanzebe, and Hannibal Mejbri. While they play in different positions, their absence will be felt across the squad. Can Scott Parker's side maintain their recent form?
5. Fulham
Absentees: 3 - Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze (all Nigeria)
Fulham's relegation scrap will be made harder by the loss of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze. Marco Silva's future is already uncertain, and these absences could seal his fate. Is this the end of the road for Silva at Fulham?
4. Everton
Absentees: 3 - Iliman Ndiaye, Idrissa Gueye (both Senegal), Adam Aznou (Morocco)
Everton will miss the creativity of Iliman Ndiaye and the defensive solidity of Idrissa Gueye. Adam Aznou's potential call-up for Morocco could also impact their squad depth. How will David Moyes adapt to these significant losses?
3. Wolves
Absentees: 5 - Marshall Munetsi, Tawanda Chirewa (both Zimbabwe), Tolu Arokodare (Nigeria), Emmanuel Agbadou (Cote d'Ivoire), Jackson Tchatchoua (Cameroon)
Wolves' dreadful start to the season could worsen with the loss of up to five players, including Marshall Munetsi. Rob Edwards may need a busy January transfer window to avoid relegation. Can Wolves turn their season around despite these setbacks?
2. Manchester United
Absentees: 3 - Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Cote d'Ivoire), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Manchester United face a major challenge with the potential loss of their entire right-hand side. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui are all key players, and their absence could derail Ruben Amorim's plans. Will United's season unravel without these stars?
1. Sunderland
Absentees: 7 - Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), Reinildo (Mozambique), Habib Diarra (Senegal), Simon Adingra (Cote d'Ivoire), Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso), Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki (both DR Congo)
Sunderland's fairy-tale season could hit a major roadblock with the loss of seven players, including Chemsdine Talbi and Noah Sadiki. If they can maintain their form, they'll prove their credentials as a genuine European contender. But can they survive this AFCON-induced exodus?
The Big Question: Which club do you think will struggle the most without their AFCON-bound players? And could this tournament be the turning point in the Premier League's relegation battle? Share your thoughts in the comments!
