The AFCON 2023 schedule thus presents a unique challenge for Premier League clubs, particularly those with a significant number of players participating in the tournament.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will have significant impacts on several Premier League teams due to the temporary absence of key players participating in the tournament.
How AFCON 2023 will Affect Premier League TeamsThe tournament, scheduled from January 13 to February 11, 2024, coincides with a crucial period in the Premier League season, including both league and FA Cup matches.
Notable Impacts on Premier League Teams
Chelsea
For Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson from Senegal is the player who could join the AFCON 2023. Chelsea's schedule during the tournament could be affected by his absence, influencing their team dynamics and performance in key fixtures.
It's important to note that the impact of AFCON on Premier League teams not only depends on the players leaving for the tournament but also on the depth of the squad and the ability of teams to manage without these key players.
Chelsea, like other teams, will have to strategically plan for this period to maintain their performance in the league and other competitions.
Everton
Everton could face challenges with Abdoulaye Doucoure (Mali) and Idrissa Gueye (Senegal) participating in AFCON. They have matches against Aston Villa, Fulham, Tottenham, and Manchester City during this period, which could be particularly challenging without these players.
Fulham
Fulham's squad will likely miss the presence of Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, both from Nigeria, and Fode Ballo-Toure from Senegal. Their fixtures include matches against Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, Burnley, Bournemouth, and in the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool
Liverpool will likely feel the impact of Mohamed Salah's absence as he represents Egypt in the tournament. Key fixtures for Liverpool during AFCON include games against Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
Manchester United
Manchester United could be without Andre Onana (Cameroon), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia), and Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco). Their schedule includes matches against Tottenham, Wolves, West Ham, and Aston Villa.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest appears to be one of the most affected teams, potentially missing players like Serge Aurier, Willy Boly, and Ibrahim Sangare (all from Ivory Coast), Cheikhou Kouyate, and Moussa Niakhate (Senegal), and Ola Aina (Nigeria). They face Brentford, Arsenal, Bournemouth, and Newcastle during the tournament.
Manchester City and Newcastle United
In contrast, Manchester City and Newcastle United are the only two Premier League clubs with no players participating in AFCON, which could be advantageous for them during this crucial stretch of the season.
Summary of Premier League Player Participation in AFCON 2023
Several other Premier League teams will also lose key players to AFCON, including Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Brentford, Burnley, Luton Town, Sheffield United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The absence of these players could lead to altered team dynamics and performance during the tournament period.
The AFCON 2023 schedule thus presents a unique challenge for Premier League clubs, particularly those with a significant number of players participating in the tournament.
The team's ability to adapt and compensate for these absences will be crucial in their pursuit of league and cup ambitions during this period.
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