How Blues' rivals are impacted by player departures to AFCON

THE impact of the Africa Cup of Nations on Everton’s squad has long been on the mind of David Moyes.

- By JOE THOMAS

Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye have now joined up with the Senegal squad ahead of the tournament, which starts in Morocco next week. They could miss up to seven Premier League and FA Cup matches.

Their departure will hurt a small squad now starting to buckle due to injuries, with long-term absentees Merlin Rohl and Jarrad Branthwaite having recently been joined by Seamus Coleman. And there are concerns about Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish following Saturdays defeat at Chelsea.

But Everton are not the only club having to deal with the loss of key players to AFCON. Here, we look at each of the Blues’ upcoming opponents.

ARSENAL (H) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20

Arsenal are one of five clubs unaffected by AFCON. The Gunners, who sit top of the table ahead of their first visit to Merseyside, laboured to a last-gasp win over bottom side Wolves on Saturday and do have injury concerns - defender Ben White the latest.

His hamstring problem means he joins Max Dowman (ankle), Christhian Mosquera (ankle), and Kai Havertz on the sidelines.

Mikel Arteta’s side at least have seven days to prepare for the game.

BURNLEY (A) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27

Burnley suffered their seventh consecutive league defeat when they fell to a 3-2 loss at home to Fulham at the weekend.

It is a run that has left Scott Parker's side six points from safety.