How AFCON is going to affect Premier League sides
The Star
|December 19, 2025
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League sides are preparing for their most intense spell of the season over the festive period, but many squads will be depleted by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).The tournament, hosted by Morocco, runs from December 21 until January 18 meaning clubs could be missing their African stars for six league matches plus the FA Cup third round.
However, the disruption for some could provide an opportunity for others with leaders Arsenal among six clubs without any players departing.
Here we look at who is participating and what the impact could be on the English top flight.
Who has been called up?
Mohamed Salah is the marquee Premier League name headed for Morocco, but his absence may not hurt Liverpool quite as much as previous versions of the AFCON.
The Egyptian hinted that last weekend's victory over Brighton could have been his last game for the Reds after an explosive outburst targeting manager Arne Slot.
यह कहानी The Star के December 19, 2025 संस्करण से ली गई है।
हजारों चुनिंदा प्रीमियम कहानियों और 10,000 से अधिक पत्रिकाओं और समाचार पत्रों तक पहुंचने के लिए मैगज़्टर गोल्ड की सदस्यता लें।
क्या आप पहले से ही ग्राहक हैं? साइन इन करें
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