How AFCON affects Man United and Man City as 47 Premier League players set to miss matches

The Africa Cup of Nations will begin in December and both Manchester United and Manchester City are at risk of losing some key men while the tournament is ongoing

The Africa Cup of Nations' return could see Manchester United and Manchester City lose some key players for up to a month. The biennial tournament, which runs from December 21 to January 18, coincides with a traditionally busy period in the English football calendar.

While some teams may face minimal disruption, others could lose a significant number of players. For instance, current Premier League leaders Arsenal have no African players in their first-team squad, whereas Sunderland could potentially lose up to nine players to the tournament.

Such a disparity could significantly impact a season, and not all clubs can afford to lose players during this crucial time. Only three teams, including Chelsea and Leeds, currently have no African players and are therefore not at risk.

United could be the most affected English heavyweight by the AFCON's timing. While most major teams may only miss one or two players, manager Ruben Amorim could potentially have to make do without up to four players.

Fortunately for him, if Cameroon keeper Andre Onana is selected, it will have minimal impact as he's currently on loan at Trabzonspor. However, the situation could be different if Bryan Mbeumo, who has helped spark United into form of late, goes far in the tournament, while Amad (Ivory Coast) and Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) are also contenders.

Manchester City are also likely to be without Egyptian asset if Omar Marmoush is selected as anticipated. That's in addition to summer signing Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is set to represent another top contender in Algeria.

The 2025 AFCON will see 24 teams compete, with host nation Morocco tipped as favourites to win. United, Bournemouth, Sunderland and Crystal Palace each have one Moroccan player in their squads, meaning a successful run for the national team could result in these players missing a substantial part of the winter schedule.

Liverpool's only player in the competition is a significant one, as Mohamed Salah also prepares to journey with Egypt. The four-time Premier League Golden Boot-winner has been underperforming this season but his absence won't help Arne Slot's title defence ambitions.

No team comes close to Sunderland in terms of potential absentees, however, with up to nine players expected to be missing during the AFCON. This includes Morocco marvel Chemsdine Talbi, Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra, regular starter Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast) and Mozambique veteran Reinildo Mandava.

Potential Premier League AFCON Call-ups

Bournemouth: Amine Adli (Morocco)

Arsenal: No African players in first-team squad

Aston Villa: Evann Guessand (Ivory Coast)

Brentford: Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso), Frank Onyeka (Nigeria)

Brighton: Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)

Burnley: Axel Tuanzebe (Democratic Republic of Congo), Manuel Benson (Angola), Lyle Foster (South Africa), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)

Chelsea: No African players in first-team squad

Crystal Palace: Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), Christantus Uche (Nigeria), Cheick Doucoure (Mali), Chadi Riad (Morocco)

Everton: Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal), Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)

Fulham: Calvin Bassey (Nigeria), Alex Iwobi (Nigeria), Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)

Leeds: No African players in first-team squad

Liverpool: Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Manchester City: Omar Marmoush (Egypt), Rayan Ait-Nouri (Algeria)

Manchester United: Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Andre Onana (Cameroon), Bryan Mbuemo (Cameroon)

Newcastle: Yoane Wissa (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Nottingham Forest: Ibrahim Sangare (Ivory Coast), Taiwo Awoniyi (Nigeria), Willy Boly (Ivory Coast), Ola Aina (Nigeria)

Sunderland: Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), Blondy Nna Noukeu (Cameroon), Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique), Habib Diarra (Senegal), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Arthur Masuaku (Democratic Republic of Congo), Noah Sadiki (Democratic Republic of Congo), Ahmed Abdullahi (Nigeria), Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso)

Tottenham: Yves Bissouma (Mali), Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)

West Ham: El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Wolves: Marshall Munetsi (Zimbabwe), Emmanuel Agbadou (Ivory Coast), Tolu Arokodare (Nigeria), Tawanda Chirewa (Zimbabwe), Jackson Tchatchoua (Cameroon)