How will AFCON affect Premier League sides?

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Liverpools Mohamed Salah is the biggest Premier League name heading to the Africa Cup of Nations.

EPA

LONDON – English Premier League sides are preparing for their most intense spell of the season over the festive period, but many squads will be depleted by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The tournament, hosted by Morocco, runs from Dec 21 until Jan 18 and that means that clubs could be missing their African stars for six league matches plus the FA Cup third round.

However, the disruption for some could provide an opportunity for others with leaders Arsenal among six clubs without any players departing.

Here is a look at who is participating and what the impact could be on the English top flight.

Mohamed Salah is the marquee Premier League name headed for Morocco, but his absence may not hurt Liverpool quite as much as previous versions of the AFCON.

The Egyptian forward hinted that last weekend’s victory over Brighton Hove Albion could have been his last game for the Reds after an explosive outburst targeting manager Arne Slot.

Salah has not started any of Liverpool’s last five games, but bridges were mended in time for him to feature for the majority of the Brighton match and receive a hero’s reception at Anfield.

The 33-year-old will be joined by Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush as seven-time winners Egypt aim to end their wait since 2010 to lift the trophy.

Bryan Mbeumo will spearhead Cameroon’s challenge for a sixth title on the back of an impressive start to his Manchester United career.

Crystal Palace and Everton will