Which Premier League teams will suffer most by losing players to AFCON? | OneFootball

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to start on December 21, with the continent’s finest talents set to battle it out in Morocco. 

Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds United will not be affected by the African tournament, but the remaining 17 Premier League clubs are set to lose players this winter. 

Here are the teams that will suffer the most due to AFCON. 

Sunderland

Sunderland have defied expectations since earning promotion from the Championship in May.

However, the real test for Regis Le Bris’ side will come from December to January, with the Black Cats losing seven players to AFCON.

Their list of absentees includes Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo, Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki. 

Manchester United

Following a torrid start to the new campaign, manager Ruben Amorim has brought some stability to Manchester United.

The Red Devils claimed three consecutive top-flight victories against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion before drawing with Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur. 

They will need to cope without Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui during AFCON.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolverhampton Wanderers are battling to stay in the Premier League. They sacked Vitor Pereira earlier this month, with Rob Edwards appointed as his successor. 

The former Middlesbrough boss faces a challenging task keeping Wolves in the top flight, with the club expected to lose five players this winter.

Marshall Munetsi, Emmanuel Agbadou, Tawanda Chirewa, Tolu Arokodare and Jackson Tchatchoua are all in contention to join their national squads. 

Everton

David Moyes has transformed the mood at Everton since returning as manager in January.

The Toffees have made a positive start to the season, but they are set to be without some key players this winter.

Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye are both contenders to feature for Senegal. Adam Aznou may also depart to represent Morocco. 

Fulham

Fulham are currently a point above the relegation zone after winning just three of their 11 fixtures this season.

AFCON could impact their hopes of avoiding the drop. Alex Iwobi will join Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze for Nigeria’s campaign.