Liverpool and Everton are set to lose key players to the Africa Cup of Nations, with the tournament running during a demanding stretch in the Premier League season
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool looks on from the substitute's bench during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield
Mohamed Salah is Liverpool's only player heading to the AFCON this year
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The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to be a challenging period for both Liverpool and Everton. Both clubs have had their ups and downs in the Premier League this season, with the Reds in particular falling flat in this first half of the campaign.
The timing couldn't be worse at Anfield given Mohamed Salah's recent fiery outburst at the club, suggesting his time on Merseyside could be about to end. He'll link up with Egypt as Arne Slot's only absentee set to jet out to Morocco in the coming days.
Everton, on the other hand, have three players potentially missing for a long run in Ilman Ndiaye, Idrissa Gueye (both Senegal) and Adam Aznou (Morocco). The ECHO breaks down when the two Merseyside giants might expect their players back, including key AFCON dates for the month ahead.
Who are the favourites for AFCON?
The host nation has reached at least the semi-final stage in the last two AFCON tournaments. This is worth considering given Morocco are often a strong contender and enter their own competition as favourites this year.
It's also important to note that in addition to missing matches, those progressing further in the tournament may not immediately return to club duties. And any players who manage to lift the trophy may be granted a few extra days to savour their success before coming back to England.
Morocco are the clear frontrunners with the bookies to clinch their first AFCON title since 1976, while seven-time winners Egypt are second favourites. The Atlas Lions are strongly tipped to top Group A, which includes Zambia, Mali and Comoros, whereas Egypt face a slightly tougher group comprising South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe in Group B.
Iliman Ndiaye of Everton applauds after the team's victory during the Premier League match between Everton and Nottingham Forest
The absence of Ilman Ndiaye will force David Moyes to tinker with his attack
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When does AFCON take place?
The tournament doesn't kick off until December 21, but players will be released to join their national teams from Monday. The competition will wrap up in Rabat on January 18, meaning some players could be away for more than a month.
During this period, six rounds of Premier League matches are scheduled to take place. This includes a particularly gruelling three-week stretch between December 20 and January 8, during which each top-flight club will play five times.
Which team has the toughest schedule?
Certain Premier League clubs who will be without players over the next month face more challenging periods than others, at least on paper given the current standings and recent team performances.
Idrissa Gueye of Everton is put under pressure by Mohamed Salah of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on February 12, 2025
Gueye and Salah will both be departing Merseyside for the tournament
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For instance, Aston Villa will go up against United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Crystal Palace (in that order) between December 21 and January 7. Brighton also have a tough run of fixtures over the next month or so, with Sunderland, Arsenal, City and Bournemouth all lined up while the AFCON is ongoing.
Key AFCON dates
Players released for duty: 15 December
Group stage: 21 December to 31 December
Round of 16: January 3 to January 6
Quarter-finals: January 9 and January 10
Semi-finals: January 14
Third-place play-off: January 17
Final: January 18