The Africa Cup of Nations will begin earlier than normal this year, with the competition scheduled from 21 December to 18 January in host nation Morocco. As many as 17 top-flight clubs are expected to lose players during a busy run of fixtures.
The exact date that teams must release their internationals has not yet been confirmed, as this can depend on separate arrangements.
If footballers progress to the final, they could be unavailable for up to six or seven league rounds in addition to matches in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Players whose nations exit the tournament in the first phase — which finishes on 31 December — could return far earlier.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leeds are the only sides with no squad members heading to the tournament, while Sunderland and Wolves face the biggest losses.
Teams losing one to three players
Aston Villa will only be without Evann Guessand, with the Ivory Coast striker yet to establish himself as a regular starter.
Bournemouth anticipate the departure of Morocco midfielder Amine Adli, although he has barely featured since joining in the summer.
Brentford will release Dango Ouattara of Burkina Faso along with Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka.
Brighton must cope without Cameroon’s Carlos Baleba, who has been central to their season.
Burnley expect to be down three players: Axel Tuanzebe for DR Congo, Lyle Foster for South Africa, and Hannibal Mejbri for Tunisia.
Everton will lose two Senegal internationals in Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye, with Adam Aznou unlikely to join Morocco.
Fulham sees three starters moving to join Nigeria: Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Liverpool will part with Mohamed Salah, their all-time great attacker, as he joins Egypt’s campaign.
Manchester City will release Omar Marmoush of Egypt and Rayan Ait-Nouri of Algeria, although both have had injury issues this year.
Manchester United will lose Bryan Mbeumo of Cameroon, Amad Diallo of Ivory Coast, and Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui.
Teams with uncertain numbers or high-impact absences
Crystal Palace will certainly be without in-form Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr. Christantus Uche, Chadi Riad, and Cheick Doucoure are possible departures depending on fitness and selection. Whoever travels will miss the Carabao Cup tie with Arsenal on 23 December.
Newcastle may lose Yoane Wissa, though his return from injury and DR Congo’s interest remain unclear.
Nottingham Forest have up to four potential call-ups: Ibrahim Sangare is guaranteed for the Ivory Coast, while Willy Boly, Ola Aina, and Taiwo Awoniyi are uncertain selections.
Sunderland, who have impressed this season, will be the worst hit, with seven expected to leave: Chemsdine Talbi, Habib Diarra, Reinildo, Simon Adingra, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku, and Noah Sadiki.
Tottenham could lose Pape Matar Sarr of Senegal and Mali’s Yves Bissouma, although the latter remains injured.
West Ham will be without both full-backs, Aaron Wan-Bissaka of DR Congo and El Hadji Malick Diouf of Senegal.
Wolves, at the bottom of the table, will release five players: Marshall Munetsi, Tawanda Chirewa, Emmanuel Agbadou, Tolu Arokodare, and Jackson Tchatchoua.
