Key Highlights
- Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to impact the Premier League clubs from December 2025 to January 2026.
- Liverpool and Manchester United are expected to be particularly affected, with Liverpool losing Mohamed Salah for a month.
- Manchester United will have to manage without Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui during AFCON.
- Sunderland faces the most significant impact, with seven key players set to participate in AFCON.
The Impact of AFCON on Premier League Clubs: A Season-Disrupting Tournament
The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will disrupt the Premier League schedule from December 2025 to January 2026. This biennial football tournament, which brings together the best African teams and individual talents, is a crucial event in the global sports calendar. For the Premier League clubs, it poses both challenges and opportunities.
Manchester United: Managing Without Their Whole Right Side
The article highlights that Manchester United will have to navigate without their entire right side during AFCON. Three key players—Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui—are expected to represent their respective countries in the tournament. This leaves a significant gap for manager Ruben Amorim, who must ensure that the team remains competitive despite the absence of these versatile talents.
Liverpool: Mohamed Salah’s Absence
Manchester United’s nearest competitor, Liverpool, faces another formidable challenge with the loss of their star player, Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward is set to lead the Senegal national team in their quest for glory at AFCON. His absence will significantly impact the Reds’ attacking prowess and goal-scoring potential.
Sunderland: The Most Affected Club
Among all Premier League clubs, Sunderland faces the most significant disruption with seven key players—Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo, Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku, and Noah Sadiki—all set to participate in AFCON. This substantial number of absentees will undoubtedly test the resilience and adaptability of Sunderland’s coaching staff.
Broader Implications for Premier League Clubs
The article ranks the remaining 17 clubs based on their vulnerability to AFCON, emphasizing that all but three—Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds United—will be affected. This highlights the growing global footprint of the Premier League, with even non-European players becoming integral parts of top-tier English football.
Managers like Unai Emery (Aston Villa) and Regis Le Bris (Sunderland) will need to carefully manage their squads during this critical period, ensuring that remaining players stay fit and motivated. The tournament’s impact on player fitness and form could have long-lasting effects beyond the duration of AFCON.
Ultimately, the Africa Cup of Nations represents a significant test for Premier League clubs in balancing local league commitments with international obligations. As the tournament approaches, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how these teams manage the challenges presented by AFCON.
