The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations takes place in Morocco, with the action running from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

Of the 20 Premier League teams, there are just three clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds – who will not be affected by the mid-season tournament.

Below, we have gone through the 18 sides who will have to deal with at least one AFCON departure.

Aston Villa

Villa’s summer arrival Evann Guessand should be part of the Ivory Coast's squad, with his absence putting more scoring pressure on Englishman Ollie Watkins while he is away.

Bournemouth

Amine Adli made the switch to Bournemouth and he will be making a temporary exit from the Vitality Stadium, as he plays for AFCON hosts Morocco.

Brighton

Brighton will be missing Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, who had been linked with a summer exit from the Amex Stadium. The 21-year-old's energy, tackling, power and drive is key for the Seagulls.

Brentford

Brentford could have three players away on AFCON duty with summer arrival Dango Ouattara, who will be key for Burkina Faso, a big miss given the lack of attacking options in the squad.

Frank Onyeka could be part of Nigeria's squad, reducing the midfield options for the Bees, while Zimbabwe goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva is not a big miss.

Burnley

Lyle Foster has been leading the line for Burnley but he will be doing that job for South Africa, while Manuel Benson and Hannibal Mejbri will be turning out for Angola and Tunisia respectively.

Chelsea

Senegal's Nicolas Jackson secured a deadline-day move away from Stamford Bridge to join Bayern Munich, so the Blues will not be affected by AFCON.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace will be without Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr, who is a regular starter for the Eagles and his goals and creativity will be a big miss.

Everton

Everton’s attacking options will be reduced when Iliman Ndiaye heads to Morocco to represent Senegal, putting pressure on the likes of Thierno Barry and Tyler Dibling to produce in his absence.

Experienced midfielder Idrissa Gueye will also be part of the Lions of Teranga squad, while left-back Adam Aznou could be included for Morocco.

Fulham

Fulham could be hit by a treble blow, with deadline day loan signing Samuel Chukwueze hoping to join Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi in the Nigeria squad.

Liverpool

Just one absentee for Liverpool but a huge one in the shape of Mohammed Salah, who has been integral to the club’s success over the years.

However, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo in the Reds’ ranks, they should be able to cope without their Egyptian talisman.

Manchester United

A quartet of Manchester United players could be heading to AFCON, with the biggest absentee being summer signing Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford, meaning his temporary exit to play for Cameroon will not be felt heavily.

But the absences of Ivory Coast ace Amad Diallo and Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui will affect the dynamic of the team.

Manchester City

Egypt forward Omar Marmoush will leave a big gap to fill for Manchester City, who will also have to do without Algeria left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Newcastle

Newcastle worked hard to bring in Yoane Wissa from Brentford this summer, but they will be without their new signing during AFCON, as he will be representing DR Congo.

Nottingham Forest

A potential of four players could be missing for Nottingham Forest, with Nigerian defender Ola Aina and Ivory Coast midfielder Ibrahim Sangare the biggest misses.

Striker Taiwo Awoniyi should be part of Nigeria's squad, although he is not first choice at Forest, while it is touch and go whether Willy Boly makes the Ivory Coast's final cut.

Sunderland

With a possible seven players heading to AFCON, Sunderland are set to be the team most affected by the tournament.

Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki are hoping to play for DR Congo, Chemsdine Talbi is pushing for a place in Morocco's squad and Habib Diarra should represent Senegal.

Simon Adingra is likely to feature for the Ivory Coast and Reinildo Mandava is a key player for Mozambique, while deadline day recruit Bertrand Traore will hope to be involved with Burkina Faso.

Tottenham

Mali midfielder Yves Bissouma has yet to play for Tottenham this season, but limits Spurs' options with Pape Matar Sarr's exit to play for Senegal leaving a huge gap to fill.

West Ham

El Hadji Malick Diouf will be part of Senegal’s squad and Aaron Wan-Bissaka's recent international switch to DR Congo means he will also be absent.

Wolves

Recent striker signing Tolu Arokodare is pushing to be part of Nigeria's squad, while Marshall Munetsi and Tawanda Chirewa are expected to make Zimbabwe's final cut.

Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Agbadou leaves a huge void, while Jackson Tchatchoua could be involved for Cameroon.