Which Premier League teams will suffer most by losing players to AFCON?

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to start on December 21, with the continent’s finest talents set to battle it out in Morocco.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds United will not be affected by the African tournament, but the remaining 17 clubs are set to lose players this winter.

Below we have listed the teams who will suffer the most due to AFCON .

Sunderland have completely defied expectations since earning promotion from the Championship in May when they bested Sheffield United in a dramatic play-off final. Their incredible progress suggests they have a chance to qualify for Europe by the end of the season.

However, the real test for Regis Le Bris’ side will come from December to January, with the Black Cats losing seven star players to AFCON. The list of absentees include Chemsdine Talbi , Reinildo, Habib Diarra , Simon Adingra , Bertrand Traore , Arthur Masuaku , and Noah Sadiki .

Following a torrid start to the new campaign, manager Ruben Amorim has managed to bring some stability at Manchester United . The Red Devils claimed three consecutive top-flight victories against Sunderland , Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion before playing out draws with Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.

But they are set to be affected due to the African tournament. Bryan Mbeumo , who has been instrumental in United’s recent success, is expected to receive a call-up from Cameroon. Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are also likely to represent their respective nations at the tournament, meaning the Red Devils could be without three of their best players.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are battling to stay in the Premier League after a dreadful start to the season. They sacked Vitor Pereira earlier this month, with Rob Edwards appointed as his successor .

The former Middlesbrough boss faces a challenging task to keep Wolves in the top-flight, with the club expected to lose up to five players this winter. Marshall Munetsi , Emmanuel Agbadou , Tawanda Chirewa , Tolu Arokodare and Jackson Tchatchoua are all in contention to join their national squads.

David Moyes has transformed the mood at Everton since returning to the club as manager in January. The Toffees were battling to avoid the drop at the time of his appointment, but the Scot made an immediate impact and led them to a 13th-place finish last campaign.

Everton have also made a positive start to the 2025-26 season, but they are set to be without some key players this winter. Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye , who have been vital to Moyes’ game plan, are both contenders to feature for Senegal. Meanwhile, Adam Aznou may also depart to represent Morocco.

Fulham have had a disappointing campaign under Marco Silva, who is said to be battling for his future at the club. The Cottagers are currently a point above the relegation zone after winning just three of their 11 fixtures this campaign.

Fulham will be looking to make a comeback during the second-half of the season, but their task will be difficult with the club losing some of their best players this winter. Alex Iwobi will join Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze for Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, with the Super Eagles aiming to win the competition for the fourth time.