Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso reveals AFCON 2023 concerns

Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, has voiced his displeasure over the timing of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The biennial competition will run from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in Cote d'Ivoire.

The Bundesliga side will be without five regular stars during the period.

Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella will likely be included in Nigeria's squad for the competition.

Moroccan forward Amine Adli, Burkina Faso centre-back Edmond Tapsoba, and Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou are the other players Leverkusen could miss during the AFCON finals.

Alonso said it is a situation his team has to deal with.

"It is a concern for January and February, perhaps not having five players. It is a reality. We have to accept that," Alonso told Transfermarkt.