Sunderland worst hit by player's exodus to Africa Cup of Nations

Premier League Sunderland will have to do without six players over the next few weeks and are the club worst hit as the Africa Cup of Nations takes its toll on European clubs competing over the holiday season.

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Sunderland, eighth in the standings, had four of their African internationals in action when they beat Newcastle United on Sunday, but like 14 other English topflight clubs will now lose those players to international duty.

The timing of the African championship, kicking off in Morocco on Sunday and running through to Jan. 18, has long been an irritant for coaches, with leagues in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain also affected.