The 2025/26 Premier League campaign is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years. Arsenal are mounting a serious push to end their wait for the title, Manchester United are showing renewed confidence under Ruben Amorim, and the battle at both ends of the table is beginning to intensify.
As the festive period approaches, however, clubs are preparing for a familiar challenge: the impact of the Africa Cup of Nations. AFCON 2025, which will be staged in Morocco, once again takes place during the heart of the English season, depriving teams of some of their most influential players at a crucial moment.
With fixtures piling up across the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and European competitions, managers will be forced to rely on squad depth and tactical flexibility as key stars depart for international duty. From established icons to emerging talents, the tournament will significantly reshape team selections throughout December and January.
AFCON 2025 Schedule Overview
As with previous editions, AFCON will directly clash with domestic football in England. The group stage runs from December 21 to December 31, followed by the round of 16 between January 3 and January 6. Quarter-finals are scheduled for January 9 and 10, the semi-finals take place on January 14, and the tournament concludes with the third-place playoff and final on January 17 and 18.
Depending on how far their national teams progress, some players could be unavailable for close to a month, missing several league matches and key cup ties during one of the busiest periods of the season.
Premier League Clubs Affected by AFCON 2025
Below is a detailed club-by-club look at which Premier League sides will be impacted and which will escape disruption.
Arsenal Mikel Arteta benefits from excellent squad planning, with no Arsenal players selected for AFCON. AFCON absentees: None
Aston Villa Unai Emery’s side, now firmly in the title conversation after a strong resurgence, will also remain unaffected. AFCON absentees: None
Bournemouth Bournemouth avoid disruption, with Ghana failing to qualify and other eligible players not selected. AFCON absentees: None
Brentford Brentford will need to adjust in midfield, losing two important options during the tournament. AFCON absentees: Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso), Frank Onyeka (Nigeria)
Brighton and Hove Albion Brighton will be without one of their key midfield figures, adding to the club’s history of mid-season international challenges. AFCON absentees: Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)
Burnley Scott Parker faces a difficult task in the survival battle as several first-team players depart. AFCON absentees: Lyle Foster (South Africa), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)
Chelsea Despite their large squad, Chelsea emerge unscathed and will retain all players throughout AFCON. AFCON absentees: None
Crystal Palace Palace lose a single but influential attacking option, limiting the overall disruption. AFCON absentees: Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)
Everton Everton’s recent momentum could be tested by the absence of two key Senegal internationals. AFCON absentees: Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal), Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)
Fulham Fulham are among the hardest hit, with three Nigerian internationals leaving simultaneously. AFCON absentees: Alex Iwobi (Nigeria), Calvin Bassey (Nigeria), Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)
Leeds United Daniel Farke enjoys a rare advantage, with no players departing for AFCON. AFCON absentees: None
Liverpool Liverpool’s biggest concern is the departure of Mohamed Salah. With Egypt among the tournament favourites, his absence could be prolonged and decisive. AFCON absentees: Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Manchester United United’s growing momentum under Ruben Amorim will be tested as several key players leave. AFCON absentees: Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)
Manchester City Pep Guardiola will temporarily lose two versatile and influential players during a potentially defining stretch of the season. AFCON absentees: Omar Marmoush (Egypt), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Algeria)
Newcastle United Newcastle avoid disruption entirely due to squad selection and fitness circumstances. AFCON absentees: None
Nottingham Forest Forest will be without two Ivorian internationals, although one has played a limited role so far this season. AFCON absentees: Wily Boly (Ivory Coast), Ibrahim Sangaré (Ivory Coast)
Sunderland No club faces a tougher test than Sunderland, who will lose six first-team players and see their squad depth severely stretched. AFCON absentees: Noah Sadiki (DR Congo), Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo), Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), Reinildo (Mozambique), Habib Diarra (Senegal), Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso)
Tottenham Hotspur Tottenham must cope without the core of their midfield, forcing significant tactical adjustments. AFCON absentees: Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal), Yves Bissouma (Mali)
As AFCON 2025 unfolds, its influence on the Premier League title race, European qualification, and relegation battle could be decisive, once again highlighting how international tournaments can reshape the domestic season.
