AFC Asian Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competitions arrive at a challenging time for European clubs, many of which heavily rely on their professional players, particularly from Africa.
While English Premier League clubs are poised to lose key players during this critical phase of the race for the league title, the defending champions, Manchester City, will remain relatively unscathed by the simultaneous occurrence of the AFC Asian Cup and AFCON.
The departure of their sole African player, Algerian international Riyad Mahrez, to Saudi club Al-Ahli during the last summer transfer window means City won’t lose any players during these continental tournaments.
In contrast, league leaders will face the absence of several star players.
Arsenal will miss Ghanaian Thomas Partey and Egyptian Mohamed Elneny, pivotal figures in their midfield, especially given the continuous series of matches.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will bear the brunt of losing their Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, a standout player in recent seasons and a driving force for the team.
Having scored 12 goals and provided 7 assists in the current season, Salah is a significant asset for the Reds.
Additionally, Japanese player Takumi Minamino will also be absent.
Tottenham, too, will experience the absence of two crucial players: South Korean striker Son Heung-Min, a primary attacking force with 11 goals and 4 assists, and Senegalese midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, acquired from French club Metz.
As for West Ham, trailing Manchester City in the standings, they will lose key players, including the Ghanaian striker Mohammed Kudus, Moroccan defender Naif Akhdir, and Algerian forward Said Benrahma.
These factors are expected to aid the reigning UEFA Champions League champions, Manchester City, in their quest to re-enter the Premier League title race.
Currently occupying the sixth position with 34 points, they are 8 points behind the leaders, Liverpool, who have 42 points. The team’s morale recently improved after their victory in the FIFA Club World Cup held in Saudi Arabia.
