Leeds United are about to enter a crucial phase of the Premier League season with Sunday’s game at Aston Villa kicking off a hectic winter schedule. With no more international football until March, focus is now solely on domestic action and fixtures will start to come thick and fast between now and March.
The period around Christmas and New Year is particularly hectic and this season, the African Cup of Nations adds an extra layer to the chaos. AFCON runs from December 21 to January 18, with players leaving their respective clubs to represent their nations in the major tournament.
Leeds will not lose anyone to AFCON but it could still play a major part in their season, given Farke’s side will face Crystal Palace, Sunderland, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle and Fulham while the tournament is on. That means some opponents and rivals could be missing key players when facing the Whites.
All in all, 17 Premier League teams look set to lose at least one player to AFCON ahead of the weekend of December 20/21. Take a look below to see who could struggle the most.
7. Manchester United - 3
Players who could be heading to AFCON: Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco) | Getty Images
8. Liverpool - 1
Players who could be heading to AFCON: Mohamed Salah (Egypt) | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
9. Bournemouth - 1
Players who could be heading to AFCON: Amine Adli (Morocco) | Getty Images
10. Crystal Palace - 2
Players who could be heading to AFCON: Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), Christantus Uche (Nigeria) | Getty Images
11. Brighton - 1
Players who could be heading to AFCON: Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) | Getty Images
12. Brentford - 2
Players who could be heading to AFCON: Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso), Frank Onyeka (Nigeria) | Getty Images