Leeds United’s next four rivals hit by AFCON call-ups, Sunderland to lose six | OneFootball

Leeds United will keep their squad intact during the Africa Cup of Nations, while each of their next four opponents will lose players. According to Leeds Live, this could aid Leeds, although several clubs may feel they have the depth to cope.

AFCON runs from December 21 to January 18, with release deadlines falling this week. Leeds face Crystal Palace on Saturday, Sunderland on Sunday, December 28, then travel to Liverpool three days later before hosting Manchester United the following Sunday.

Crystal Palace are set to lose one player, but it is a major figure. Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr has eight goals in 20 matches across competitions, with only Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring more, nine, and he has started all but one Premier League game when available.

Sunderland expect six departures. Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku join DR Congo, Reinildo has a Mozambique call-up, Bertrand Traore will feature for Burkina Faso, Morocco winger Chemsdine Talbi is out, and Habib Diarra has been called by Senegal while returning from a long-term injury. Simon Andingra and Blondy Nna Noukeu were not selected, and the absentees account for more than 50 Premier League appearances this season.

Liverpool lose one, Mohamed Salah, for the New Year’s Day meeting. It remains a significant absence for Arne Slot, though Liverpool’s depth offers cover and Leeds have faced the Reds without him before, including after a benching that prompted a notable Elland Road outburst.

Manchester United could be without three. Byran Mbeumo would be a significant loss if Cameroon reach the knockouts, Amad heads to the Ivory Coast, and full-back Noussair Mazraoui links up with Morocco.

Source: Leeds Live