AFCON Absentees: Impact on Premier League Clubs

As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, various Premier League clubs are preparing to cope with significant player absences that could impact their performance this season.

**Evann Guessand (Cote d’Ivoire)**

Evann Guessand, who joined Aston Villa from Nice as one of Ligue 1’s most promising forwards, has struggled to find his footing at his new club, scoring only once in 15 appearances. His absence during AFCON may not heavily affect Unai Emery’s squad, which boasts numerous capable forwards.

**Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)**

Similarly, Yoane Wissa has yet to make an impact at Brentford, having not played a single minute as of now. After an injury sustained while on national duty, he is expected to recover in time for AFCON and make his long-awaited debut for Newcastle.

**Amine Adli (Morocco)**

Bournemouth also faces a challenge with Amine Adli’s departure. While he has yet to secure a prominent role under manager Andoni Iraola, his absence will test the Cherries’ already thin squad. On a positive note, Antoine Semenyo remains available as Ghana did not qualify for the tournament.

**Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri (Egypt, Algeria)**

Manchester City is poised to lose Omar Marmoush and Rayan Ait-Nouri but has the depth to handle these departures with minimal disruption, despite Marmoush’s ongoing knee issues and Ait-Nouri’s ankle injury.

**Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma (Senegal, Mali)**

Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr has become an integral part of the squad under Thomas Frank, while Yves Bissouma is recovering from injury. If he returns, he will likely be called up for Mali.

**Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)**

Brighton will lose Carlos Baleba, who, despite a disappointing season, remains a player of interest for Manchester United. His absence may be felt more keenly as the club navigates the remaining fixtures.

**Dango Ouattara and Frank Onyeka (Burkina Faso, Nigeria)**

Brentford’s summer reshuffle leaves them facing challenges without key players Dango Ouattara and Frank Onyeka. Their performances have been crucial, especially as the team aims to avoid relegation.

**Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf (DR Congo, Senegal)**

West Ham’s Nuno Espirito Santo will miss vital full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf, complicating his defensive strategies during AFCON.

**Mohamed Salah (Egypt)**

Liverpool stands to be the most affected by the absence of Mohamed Salah, whose goal-scoring prowess is unmatched. Despite his recent struggles, his departure will significantly impact the team’s attacking capabilities.

**Ismaila Sarr, Christantus Uche, Chadi Riad, and Cheick Doucoure (Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco, Mali)**

Crystal Palace faces a daunting challenge with the potential loss of Ismaila Sarr, alongside squad players Christantus Uche and Chadi Riad. This could severely impact their European commitments.

**Ibrahim Sangare, Willy Boly, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Ola Aina (Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria)**

Nottingham Forest is grappling with a potential loss of up to four players, which could hinder their efforts to remain competitive in both the league and European fixtures.

**Lyle Foster, Axel Tuanzebe, and Hannibal Mejbri (South Africa, DR Congo, Tunisia)**

For Burnley, the absence of these players during AFCON poses significant challenges as they aim to secure their Premier League status.

**Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)**

Fulham will also be affected, losing three key Nigerian players amidst their struggles to stay above the relegation zone.

**Iliman Ndiaye, Idrissa Gueye, and Adam Aznou (Senegal, Senegal, Morocco)**

Everton will likely miss two crucial midfielders during AFCON, which could affect their defensive stability.

**Marshall Munetsi, Tawanda Chirewa, Tolu Arokodare, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Jackson Tchatchoua (Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon)**

Wolves are expected to lose up to five players, amplifying the need for a busy transfer window to avoid relegation.

**Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui (Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco)**

Manchester United may face significant challenges with the potential loss of key players from their starting lineup.

**Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo, Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku, and Noah Sadiki (Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, DR Congo)**

Sunderland’s head coach Regis Le Bris is bracing for the loss of seven significant players, a test for their ambitious rise in the league.