Here Vodacom Soccer takes a look at which players from the Premier League will be playing in the 2025 AFCON - and which clubs have been most affected.

Manchester United's attack loses firepower

Manchester United will feel the significant loss of the in-form forward Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), whose consistent goal threat and attacking dynamism leaves a major void in their lineup.

Versatile full-back Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) is another important defensive figure whose absence will stretch squad depth.

Finally, winger Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), a fluid player on the right flank, also departs. The combined absence of this trio, especially the two key attackers, poses a real challenge to United's stability and push for a European spot.

Tottenham midfield weakened with Sarr exit

Tottenham face a significant mid-season hurdle as Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr depart for AFCON.

Manager Thomas Frank must navigate a crucial month without his specialized engine room, as Sarr joins defending champions Senegal and Bissouma links up with Mali.

While Bissouma has struggled with fitness and disciplinary issues recently, Sarr’s absence is a major blow to Spurs' high-pressing intensity. Supporters expect Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall to step up during this period, potentially reshaped by the winter transfer window.

Sunderland squad stretched thin

Sunderland faces the most severe impact, potentially losing up to seven first-team players, including key players in wide areas like Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso), and Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo).

Midfield depth is also compromised with the departures of Noah Sadiki (DR Congo) and Habib Diarra (Senegal). This mass exodus, also including Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco) and Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique), creates a logistical and tactical nightmare, forcing heavy reliance on youth and reserves during the crucial winter schedule.

Premier League players at the Africa Cup of Nations:

Manchester United

Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco)

Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)

Amad Diallo (Côte d'Ivoire)

Manchester City

Omar Marmoush (Egypt)

Rayan Aït-Nouri (Algeria)

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Tottenham Hotspur

Yves Bissouma (Mali)

Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal)

Fulham

Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)

Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)

Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)

Brentford

Frank Onyeka (Nigeria)

Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso)

Brighton & Hove Albion

Carlos Baleba (Cameroon)

West Ham United

El-Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal)

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo)

Everton

Idrissa Gana Gueye (Senegal)

Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Tawanda Chirewa (Zimbabwe)

Emmanuel Agbadou (Côte d'Ivoire)

Nottingham Forest

Willy Boly (Côte d'Ivoire)

Ibrahim Sangare (Côte d'Ivoire)

Crystal Palace

Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)

Burnley

Lyle Foster (South Africa)

Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo)

Sunderland

Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco)

Habib Diarra (Senegal)

Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo)

Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)

Reinildo Mandava (Mozambique)

Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso)

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