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English Premier League teams will have players missing from their rosters due to international games in the upcoming weeks.
The Qatar-hosted Asia Cup will take place from January 12 to February 10, while the Ivory Coast will host the Africa Cup of Nations from January 13 to February 11.
In light of upcoming tournaments, the PA news agency examines the potential effects on domestic football, particularly with the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup taking place simultaneously. Let’s find out who stands to gain or lose the most.
Oh Mo, Salah’s away
Analyze the statistics and it is evident why Liverpool supporters have valid reasons to worry. Mohamed Salah leads the Premier League in goal contributions with a total of 22 – 14 goals and eight assists. In the New Year’s Day victory against Newcastle, Salah scored a brace and notched his 150th Premier League goal for Liverpool. However, his absence coincides with Liverpool’s position at the top of the league, their spot in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and the start of their FA Cup journey. Adding to the challenge, Japan midfielder Wataru Endo will also be unavailable for the next few weeks.
Spurs without Son
Can Tottenham continue their surprising run for the title despite many injuries? Their captain, Son Heung-min, will be absent as he heads to the Asia Cup. Currently sitting in fifth place in the Premier League, they are only one point behind Arsenal and Manchester City, and six points behind Liverpool. Son has scored 12 goals in the league, making him the third highest scorer after Salah and Erling Haaland. Additionally, Tottenham will also struggle without midfielders Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma, who will be participating in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Premier League losers
There may be some notable absences for Liverpool and Tottenham, but other teams will also be missing key players. Manchester United will have to play without their top goalkeeper Andre Onana from Cameroon, with Altay Bayindir from Turkey making his debut in his place. Wolves will also feel the absence of their leading scorer Hwang Hee-chan from South Korea. Other high-profile AFCON players include Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth, Yoane Wissa from Brentford, Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, Jordan Ayew from Crystal Palace, Alex Iwobi from Fulham, and Mohammed Kudus from West Ham. Notably, Nottingham Forest will be missing six players who are participating in the tournament.
Burnley boost
Lyle Foster, a striker from South Africa, will not participate in AFCON as he prioritizes his personal health. Foster has been receiving specialized treatment for his mental well-being this season and was out of play for eight weeks before making a comeback last month. Vincent Kompany, the manager of Burnley, stated that Foster was not prepared to travel to play for his national team. However, he will be present for the Clarets, which is positive news as he scored his first goal since returning to the field against Aston Villa last Saturday.
No changes for Champions City and Newcastle.
Burnley, Manchester City, and Newcastle all do not have any players away on international duty. This gives Pep Guardiola’s City a chance to capitalize on Liverpool missing Salah, while Arsenal will have to cope without Elneny and Tomiyasu. Aston Villa only has one player, Traore, absent due to international duty. Newcastle’s Eddie Howe can breathe a sigh of relief as his squad remains intact for their New Year revival on Tyneside despite concerns about injuries.
Source: independent.co.uk
