8 months ago
Premier League Clubs Brace for AFCON Exodus
Many football players in the English Premier League are going to play in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
This means their clubs will be without them for several weeks.
Some clubs, like Everton, are happy to let their players go and wish them well.
Other clubs, like Manchester United and Sunderland, are worried because they will miss important players during a busy time with many matches.
Sunderland might be the most affected, as they could lose six players.
Fulham, Burnley, and West Ham United will also feel the impact.
Liverpool's star player, Mohamed Salah, will also leave for AFCON, which might help calm down some recent issues he has had with his club.
Premier League clubs will be affected by players leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Sunderland could lose six players, including Bertrand Traore and Arthur Masuaku.
Manchester United is uncertain about the availability of Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Amad Diallo for their next match.
Fulham will miss key players like Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Everton manager David Moyes supports players going to AFCON, while other clubs express concerns about the impact.
- Who
- Premier League clubs and their players participating in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
- What
- The impact of players leaving for AFCON on Premier League clubs
- Where
- Premier League clubs in England, with AFCON held in Morocco
- When
- AFCON runs from December 21, 2023, to January 18, 2024
- Why
- Players are required to represent their national teams in the AFCON tournament
Clubs Supporting Players
Clubs Concerned About Impact
Player Availability
Clubs Supporting Players
Clubs like Everton respect players' participation in AFCON and wish them well.
Clubs Concerned About Impact
Clubs like Manchester United and Sunderland are concerned about losing key players during a busy fixture schedule.
Key facts
- Tournament
- Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
- Tournament Dates
- December 21, 2023 - January 18, 2024
- Impacted Clubs
- Sunderland, Fulham, Manchester United, Burnley, Crystal Palace, West Ham United
- Key Players Affected
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Idrissa Gueye (Senegal), Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)
- Sunderland's AFCON Players
- Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki, Reinildo, Chemsdine Talbi, Habib Diarra
- Manchester United's AFCON Players
- Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo
- Fulham's AFCON Players
- Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze
Timeline
Salah's public spats with Slot, Liverpool's management, fuel exit rumors.
Then, he skips training, future uncertain.
Disagreements reportedly drive Salah's AFCON decision.
Salah leaves Liverpool for AFCON, tensions ease.
His departure buys time for club talks.
Quotes
Arne Slot
Liverpool manager
“I have no reasons (in) not wanting him to stay.”
news18.com
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool forward and Egyptian national team player
“I will be in Anfield to say goodbye to the fans and go to the Africa Cup. I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.”
news18.com
Sources
English Premier League clubs brace for AFCON exodus
Arne Slot says he has 'no reason for not wanting Mo Salah to stay' at Liverpool
Liverpool boss Arne Slot to hold talks with unhappy Mohamed Salah
Liverpool vs Brighton: Who will win Premier League clash? AI predictions, probable line-ups, live streaming and more
Premier League: Mohamed Salah Stars Off The Bench With Assist In Liverpool's 2-0 Win Over Brighton
Mohamed Salah included in Liverpool squad for Brighton match: Reports
