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.
13. Everton - 3
Players who could be heading to AFCON: Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal), Idrissa Gueye (Senegal), Adam Aznou (Morocco) | Getty Images
14. Newcastle United - 1
Players who could be heading to AFCON: Yoane Wissa (DR Congo) | AFP via Getty Images
15. Fulham - 3
Players who could be heading to AFCON: Alex Iwobi (Nigeria), Calvin Bassey (Nigeria), Samuel Chukwueze (Nigeria) | Getty Images
16. Leeds United - 0
Players who could be heading to AFCON: None | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
17. Burnley - 3
Players who could be heading to AFCON: Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo), Lyle Foster (South Africa), Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia) Photo: Richard Pelham
18. West Ham United - 2
Players who could be heading to AFCON: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DR Congo), El Hadji Malick Diouf (Senegal) | Getty Images