2 hours ago
2
The Africa Cup of Nations is not too far away from starting with the Premier League set to be impacted but Chelsea are one of just three clubs not to lose any players to the competition
Chelsea are one of just three Premier League sides to not have any Africa Cup of Nations representatives. The Blues, along with Arsenal and Leeds United, will not be missing any players for when the continental tournament gets underway just before Christmas time.
Nicolas Jackson would have been Chelsea's only representative but the striker is almost halfway through a season-long loan spell at Bayern Munich. That is a big boost for Enzo Maresca, who is set to have more options than the majority of Premier League managers while the tournament is underway in Morocco.
The first match of AFCON between Morocco and Comoros is on December 21, with the tournament running all the way through to January 18. In that time, Chelsea have five Premier League fixtures and an FA Cup third round tie (yet to be drawn) to play.
The trip to Newcastle United is on December 20, a day before the competition begins, meaning Yoane Wissa, who is still yet to make his Magpies debut, is expected to be unavailable at St. James' Park. Chelsea then welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on December 27, with Unai Emery expected to be without winger Evann Guessand, who is set to represent Ivory Coast at AFCON.
Bournemouth are the visitors a few days later. Ghana did not qualify for the competition, meaning star attacker Antoine Semenyo will be available for the Cherries in SW6, though Andoni Iraola is expected to be without Amine Adli, who represents the hosts Morocco.
Chelsea's first match of 2026 comes at the Etihad Stadium, but Pep Guardiola is likely to be without two key Manchester City players. Rayan Ait-Nouri is set to be in the Algeria squad, while Omar Marmoush will be looking to inspire Egypt to AFCON glory.
Three days later, Chelsea are a lot closer to home. The short trip to Fulham is on January 7 but Marco Silva is set to be without three players for the west London derby. Nigerian trio Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze are all expected to represent their country in Morocco.
The last round of Premier League fixtures that are set to be expected is the weekend of January 17 when Chelsea are scheduled to welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge. Keith Andrews could be without Dango Ouattara and Frank Onyeka, but that depends if Burkina Faso or Nigeria make the final of the competition.
English (US) ·