Premier League Faces Major Mid-Season Hits as AFCON 2025 Call-Ups Loom for Key Stars

Premier League Faces Major Mid-Season Hits as AFCON 2025 Call-Ups Loom for Key Stars

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, several Premier League teams are bracing for key absences. Here’s a look at how the tournament could impact clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and more — and a list of some of the top flight players likely to be called up.

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Premier League Teams Likely to Be Significantly Affected

1. Manchester United
   • United could lose several key players, according to reports. Notable call-ups include:
     • Andre Onana (Cameroon)
     • Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
     • Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)
   • Their absence could leave a big gap in both defence and attack, especially with mid-season fixtures.
2. Liverpool
   • Mohamed Salah (Egypt) is almost certain to be called up.
   • Losing Salah would be a massive blow — not just in terms of goals, but also creativity and leadership.
   • According to fixture analysis, he could miss key matchups: Tottenham (Dec 20), Wolves (Dec 27), and possibly more if Egypt advances deep.
3. Fulham
   • Could be without:
     • Calvin Bassey (Nigeria)
     • Alex Iwobi (Nigeria)
     • Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria)
   • These players’ absence could weaken both their defence (Bassey) and attacking options (Iwobi, Chukwueze).
4. Everton
   • Idrissa Gueye (Senegal)
   • Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)
   • Losing both midfielders could significantly disrupt Everton’s engine room and link-up play.
5. Brentford
   • Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
   • Frank Onyeka (Nigeria)
   • Wissa is a key attacking outlet; Onyeka’s absence would also affect their midfield stability.
6. Crystal Palace
   • AFCON call-ups may include:
     • Cheick Doucouré (Mali)
     • Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)
     • Chadi Riad (Morocco)
     • Christantus Uche (Nigeria)
   • This could test their depth, especially in midfield and attack.

Key Individual Absences to Watch

• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt) — possibly the most impactful call-up.
• Andre Onana (Man Utd, Cameroon) — a key figure between the sticks.
• Sofyan Amrabat (Man Utd, Morocco) — influence in midfield could be sorely missed.

Strategic Implications for Clubs

• Squad rotation: Teams will need to plan for January without key players — bench depth will be vital.
• Tactical adjustments: Managers may have to change formations or encourage youth to step up.
• Transfer window: Clubs might feel pressure to bring in temporary reinforcements, especially if they’re fighting for European spots or survival.