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The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, is more than just a continental showdown; it's a strategic puzzle for Premier League clubs.
With some of the league's finest talents heading to Africa, the tournament's ripple effects will be felt across English stadiums. Here is a breakdown of how each Premier League team will be affected.
Arsenal Bracing for Midfield Absences
Key Players: Thomas Partey (Ghana), Mohamed Elneny (Egypt)
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Key Fixtures: Crystal Palace (H), Nottingham Forest (A), Liverpool (H), West Ham (A)
Impact Analysis: Arsenal could miss two midfielders, but it's not all gloom. Partey's injury woes and Elneny's role as a squad player might mitigate the impact. Arteta's depth in midfield will be tested, but the Gunners have the resources to manage.
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Aston Villa's Peripheral Loss
Key Player: Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso)
Key Fixtures: Everton (A), Newcastle (H), Sheffield United (A), Manchester United (H)
Impact Analysis: Traore's limited role this season suggests Aston Villa won't feel much strain from his absence. The Villa squad seems well-equipped to handle the AFCON period without significant disruption.
Bournemouth's Triple Challenge
Key Players: Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso), Hamed Traore (Ivory Coast), Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
Key Fixtures: Liverpool (H), West Ham (A), Nottingham Forest (H), Fulham (A)
Impact Analysis: Bournemouth faces a more pronounced impact with three players potentially away. Semenyo's heavy involvement in the Premier League means his absence could be felt, especially in the crucial home game against Liverpool.
Brentford's African Duo
Key Players: Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), Frank Onyeka (Nigeria)
Key Fixtures: Nottingham Forest (H), Tottenham (A), Manchester City (H), Wolves (A)
Impact Analysis: Brentford's challenges are compounded by the absence of Wissa and Onyeka, alongside Mbeumo's injury. Games against Tottenham and Manchester City could expose the depth of Thomas Frank's squad.
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Brighton's Defensive Concerns
Key Players: Tariq Lamptey (Ghana), Carlos Baleba (Cameroon), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Samy Chouchane (Tunisia)
Key Fixtures: Wolves (H), Luton (A), Crystal Palace (H), Tottenham (A)
Impact Analysis: Brighton might feel the pinch defensively. Lamptey's injury and Adingra's potential absence could affect the team's dynamics, particularly in the matches against Crystal Palace and Tottenham.
Burnley's Light Impact
Key Player: Anass Zaroury (Morocco)
Key Fixtures: Luton (H), Manchester City (A), Fulham (H), Liverpool (A)
Impact Analysis: Burnley's AFCON concerns are minimal, with only Zaroury likely to be called up. This limited impact gives Burnley a relative advantage during this period, especially in their tough fixtures against Manchester City and Liverpool.
Chelsea's Striking Dilemma
Key Player: Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)
Key Fixtures: Fulham (H), Middlesbrough (Carabao Cup), Liverpool (A), Wolves (H), Crystal Palace (A)
Impact Analysis: Chelsea's main worry is upfront. Jackson's departure to AFCON could leave a gap in the striker's role, putting pressure on Broja or necessitating a new signing, especially with important fixtures like Liverpool away on the horizon.
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Crystal Palace's Ghanaian Gap
Key Players: Jordan Ayew, Jeffrey Schlupp (both Ghana)
Key Fixtures: Arsenal (A), Sheffield United (H), Brighton (A), Chelsea (H)
Impact Analysis: Ayew's regular appearances for Ghana mean his absence could be notable, particularly in matches against Arsenal and Chelsea. Schlupp's less frequent national team involvement may lessen the impact on Palace.
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Everton's Midfield Concern
Key Players: Abdoulaye Doucoure (Mali), Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)
Key Fixtures: Aston Villa (H), Fulham (A), Tottenham (H), Manchester City (A)
Impact Analysis: Everton could feel the strain in midfield with Doucoure and Gueye potentially away. Key matches against Tottenham and Manchester City will test the squad's resilience and depth.
Fulham's Nigerian Contingent
Key Players: Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi (both Nigeria), Fode Ballo-Toure (Senegal)
Key Fixtures: Chelsea (A), Liverpool (Carabao Cup), Everton (H), Burnley (A), Bournemouth (H)
Impact Analysis: Fulham faces significant absences, particularly from the Nigerian duo. The match against Chelsea could be particularly challenging without their influential players
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Liverpool: Salah's Egyptian Expedition
Liverpool faces a significant test as Mohamed Salah, their talisman, departs for Egypt's AFCON campaign. With crucial fixtures like Chelsea at home and Arsenal away, Jurgen Klopp's strategic acumen will be crucial. Luckily for the Reds, Cameroonian defender Joel Matip, though injured, is not on international duty.
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Luton Town: Dual Departures?
Luton Town might miss Issa Kabore (Burkina Faso) and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu (DR Congo). Their resilience will be tested in games against Burnley, Brighton, Newcastle, and Sheffield United. Thankfully, Marvelous Nakamba remains due to Zimbabwe's non-participation.
Manchester City: Clear Sailing
Manchester City remains unaffected, keeping their squad intact. Pep Guardiola aims to capitalize on this advantage during matches against Newcastle, Burnley, Brentford, and Everton.
Manchester United: Juggling with Absences
Manchester United braces for potential impacts with Andre Onana (Cameroon), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia), and Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco) possibly out. Their depth will be challenged, particularly in the clash against Tottenham. Amad Diallo, although injured, adds to their concerns.
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Newcastle United: No AFCON Worries
Newcastle United faces no direct impact from AFCON, providing Eddie Howe with a full squad for their encounters with Man City, Aston Villa, Luton, and Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest: The Most Struck
Nottingham Forest potentially faces the most significant impact with six players, including Serge Aurier, Willy Boly (Ivory Coast), Cheikhou Kouyate, Moussa Niakhate (Senegal), and Ola Aina (Nigeria), likely to depart. Crucial games against Arsenal and Newcastle will test their squad depth.
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Sheffield United: African Trio Absent
Sheffield United could miss Ismaila Coulibaly (Mali), Anis Ben-Slimane (Morocco), and Yasser Larouci (Algeria). Their presence will be sorely missed in matches against West Ham, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Luton.
Tottenham Hotspur: Midfield Gaps
Tottenham may lose Yves Bissouma (Mali) and Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal), challenging Ange Postecoglou's squad management. The match against Manchester United will be a key test without these midfield assets.
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West Ham United: Quartet in Question
West Ham could be without Mohammed Kudus (Ghana), Maxwel Cornet (Ivory Coast), Said Benrahma (Algeria), and Nayef Aguerd (Morocco). Their absence will be felt in clashes with Sheffield United, Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Arsenal.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Defensive Concerns
Wolverhampton Wanderers face the absence of Rayan Ait-Nouri (Algeria) and Boubacar Traore (Mali). Key games against Brighton, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Brentford will test their defensive resolve.
The Africa Cup of Nations always brings a mix of excitement and anxiety for Premier League clubs. While it's a prestigious tournament for the players, clubs have to navigate through this period, often turning it into an opportunity for squad players to step up. How each team adapts to these changes could have significant implications for their season's trajectory.
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