The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to kick off in Morocco on December 21, and Premier League clubs are bracing for an unusually challenging festive period. Up to 46 African internationals could depart, the mid-season to campaigns, fantasy football squads, and tactical plans across England’s top flight.
While some clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds United will have no players departing, others face a significant challenge. Here’s a deep dive into the teams most affected, starting with the ones that could feel AFCON’s impact the hardest.
1. Sunderland – The Hardest Hit (7 players)
Sunderland are this season’s surprise package, sitting in the upper echelons of the table. But come late December; manager Regis Le Bris may find himself without seven key players: Chemsdine Talbi, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku, Mandava Reinildo, Noah Sadiki, and Habib Diarra.
Most of these players are first-team regulars, combining for over 50 Premier League appearances this season. While Reinildo and Sadiki have featured in nearly every match, Diarra has been sidelined by injury. This mass exodus will leave Sunderland scrambling to maintain momentum during a crucial part of the campaign, particularly with the Sunderland vs Newcastle derby looming on 14 December.
2. Wolves – Fighting for Survival (5 players)
At the bottom of the table, Wolves face a two-fold challenge of poor form and potential AFCON departures. Five players are set to leave: Marshall Munetsi, Tawanda Chirewa, Emmanuel Agbadou, Tolu Arokodare, and Jackson Tchatchoua.
While Chirewa has yet to feature this season for the senior team, the rest are regular starters, and their absence could worsen Wolves’ fight against relegation. Manager Rob Edwards will need to rely on squad depth and tactical flexibility to navigate this tricky period.
3. Crystal Palace – A European Balancing Act (4 players)
Crystal Palace could see up to four players departing, with Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr being the standout absentee. Sarr has been one of Palace’s most lethal attacking options this season, with 12 goals in all competitions.
Potential absentees include Christantus Uche and Cheick Doucoure, although injuries and limited playing time may reduce their impact. With Palace juggling European fixtures, AFCON absences could stretch the squad thin during a critical part of the campaign.
4. Nottingham Forest – Juggling Depth and Departure (4 players)
Forest could lose up to four players: Ibrahim Sangare, Willy Boly, Ola Aina, and Taiwo Awoniyi. Sangare is a key midfield presence, while Awoniyi and Aina have had limited involvement this season due to injuries or squad rotation.
Manager Sean Dyche will need to balance squad rotation and tactical adjustments to avoid a slide during a congested fixture list.
5. Manchester United – The Right Flank Problem (3 players)
United will see three players depart: Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo, Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo, and Morocco right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
This departure primarily affects the right-hand side, forcing United to rethink their attacking and defensive balance. While United’s squad depth helps, the festive fixture congestion will make integration of replacements challenging.
6. Fulham, Burnley, Everton – Trio of Mid-Season Disruptions
- Fulham: Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze all depart to represent Nigeria. Bassey and Iwobi are both first team players, while Chukwueze is used mainly off the bench.
- Burnley: Axel Tuanzebe, Lyle Foster, Hannibal Mejbri will be missing. Foster, in particular, could be missed for his goal-scoring potential.
- Everton: Senegalese duo Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye are confirmed, with Adam Aznou a possible third. Ndiaye’s creativity on the wing will be difficult to replace.
7. Manchester City – Title-Chasing but Lightly Touched
City lose two players: Egypt’s Omar Marmoush and Algeria’s Rayan Ait-Nouri. Neither has been a consistent starter this season due to injuries, so Pep Guardiola’s squad may cope better than most.
8. Brentford, West Ham, Tottenham – Minimal but Manageable Losses
- Brentford: Dango Ouattara and Frank Onyeka are heading to AFCON, though Onyeka has seen limited minutes this season.
- West Ham: Full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf are set to leave, challenging defensive stability.
- Tottenham: Pape Matar Sarr and potentially Yves Bissouma will be away, but Mohammed Kudus will not feature as Ghana failed to qualify.
9. Liverpool, Brighton, Bournemouth, Aston Villa – Lone Departures
- Liverpool: Mohamed Salah is the only absentee, but he is arguably the most crucial player of any team on this list.
- Brighton: Carlos Baleba will head to AFCON, leaving the midfield to adjust.
- Bournemouth: Amine Adli’s departure is manageable, given limited Premier League minutes.
- Aston Villa: Evann Guessand will represent Ivory Coast, with minimal impact expected on the Villans.
10. Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds – AFCON-Free Advantage
These clubs are blessedly unaffected, with no players called up to the 2025 AFCON. Managers: Arteta, Maresca, and Farke can enjoy a full squad during the congested festive period, a rare mid-season luxury that could translate to valuable points.
AFCON’s Ripple Effect
The mid-season timing of AFCON 2025 in Morocco means Premier League managers face fixture congestion, squad rotation dilemmas, and tactical reshuffles. For teams like Sunderland and Wolves, the tournament could significantly alter momentum, while Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds may benefit indirectly by having uninterrupted squads.
With key games looming in December and January, every call-up matters. Fans, managers, and fantasy football managers will be watching the skies and the team sheets as Africa’s finest prepare to take center stage.
AFCON 2025 isn’t just a continental celebration; it’s a Premier League stress test. Who will survive unscathed, and who will struggle under the weight of absent stars? Only the festive fixtures will tell.
