The 2025 AFCON will start on December 21, with Premier League clubs bracing themselves to be without key players who will be playing in the AFCON. This tournament, lasting until January 18 2026, may result in some players being absent for as many as six league games, contingent on their countries’ advancement, in the competition.
FIFA has announced that clubs may retain players until December 15 before letting them go for AFCON, providing a respite before the busy holiday schedule. However, the tournament is anticipated to challenge depth throughout the Premier League, with effects differing greatly among teams.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds United and Newcastle United will remain unaffected as none of their first-team players are chosen for the tournament. Liverpool, on the other hand, will miss their key striker, Mohamed Salah, who has been included in Egypt’s squad. Manchester City is also likely to see Omar Marmoush depart for Egypt, while Rayan Aït-Nouri is anticipated to play for Algeria.
Manchester United contend with absences as Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) have all been summoned. Everton will be, without mainstays Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye, whereas Fulham is expected to let go of the Nigerian trio Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze.
Brentford might miss Frank Onyeka (Nigeria) and Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso). Aston Villa winger Evann Guessand is likely to join Ivory Coast, and Bournemouth will send Amine Adli to represent Morocco.
Sunderland seem to be the hit, having as many as five first-team players called up by various national squads, such as Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki (DR Congo), alongside Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique).
Nottingham Forest have to do without Ivory Coast pair Ibrahim Sangaré and Willy Boly, while West Ham will be former England Right back, Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo) and El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal).
