The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is set to commence earlier than usual, running from December 21 to January 18, and will significantly impact up to 17 Premier League clubs. Hosted in Morocco, the tournament will see numerous players depart mid-season, potentially missing up to six or seven Premier League matches, as well as FA Cup and Carabao Cup fixtures, depending on their teams’ progress in the competition. Clubs like Sunderland and Wolverhampton Wanderers are expected to be the hardest hit, with multiple key players leaving for international duty. In contrast, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds United will remain unaffected as they have no players participating in the tournament. The group stages conclude on December 31, meaning players from eliminated teams may return sooner, missing fewer matches. However, for those advancing to the final, the absence could stretch into mid-January. Among the notable departures are Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace), and Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United). Clubs like Aston Villa and Bournemouth will face minimal disruption, with only fringe players involved. The tournament’s timing during the busy festive period poses a significant challenge for Premier League managers, who must adapt their squads to cope with the loss of key contributors. The exact release dates for players remain uncertain, as they may vary based on individual club agreements with national teams.