Sunderland's major AFCON issue, and how it will impact their season

Sunderland are set for a significant challenge in December when the Africa Cup of Nations begins, with a number of key players set to represent their countries at the tournament.

- by Phil Smith

Habib Diarra

The challenge for the Black Cats has been brought back into focus by a significant injury to Habib Diarra, who is set to be absent until December before representing Senegal.

The line up for the group stages for AFCON has already been confirmed, so we have a fair idea of which Sunderland players will be departing in December. Diarra will represent Senegal providing he has indeed recovered from that groin injury in time, while Noah Sadiki and Arthur Masuaku are almost certain to be selected for DR Congo. Simon Adingra will represent Ivory Coast, Reinildo Mandava will play for Mozambique and Bertrand Traore for Burkino Faso. All are regulars for their countries. Sunderland also appear increasingly likely to lose Chemsdine Talbi. The winger is not at this stage a regular for Morocco, but made his debut during the last international break and another couple of months playing regularly at Premier League level will only strengthen his case for inclusion. So Sunderland will lose six players, but most likely seven.

The group stages will run from December 21 to 30 and the round of 16 from January 3 to 6. The quarterfinals take place on January 9 and 10, the semifinals on January 14. All four teams who make the semis will play one further match, with a third-placed playoff on January 17 and the final on the 18th.