In just 9 days the 29th African Cups of Nations will be underway. A number of Premier League clubs will have to rely on the strength of their squad or risk overspending in the January transfer window.
Who will be hit hardest?
Chelsea – The blues will lose both John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses to Nigeria. Mikel is the only established holding midfielder that Chelsea has. The transformation of David Luiz to defensive midfield was pre-mediated by the pragmatic Bentiez to address the loss of Mikel. Time will tell if Luiz can flourish in the role, early indications shows that he will. The absence of Moses is not likely to be felt as the blues have brought in a more direct goal threat in Demba Ba.
Newcastle – Cheick Tiote will be solely missed by the Toon. The tough tacklers inclusion in the Ivory Coast squad could result in panic buys, as the northern clubs string of bad results means they cannot afford to lose a key player. Fortunately for Newcastle, Shola Ameobi rejected the chance to represent Nigeria and Papa Cisse’s Senegal failed to qualify.
Manchester City – Yaya Toure is the driving force of the Manchester midfield and is arguably the best box to box midfielder in the world. His performances this current campaign has been lackluster in comparison to his performances last season which were instrumental in City’s league triumph. Nevertheless, his ability to impose himself on a game will be heavily missed by City.
Safe to say one Toure will be missed more than the other?
Wigan – Arouna Koné’s goals and physicality will be missed as Wigan once again battle for their place in the top flight. His form once he returns will be vital in ensuring the Latic’s survive once again.
Tottenham – Emmanuel Adebayor decision to go with Togo to the African Cup of Nations has resulted in Tottenham renewing their interest in long term target Leandro Damiao. Comparable to Adebayor as he is a targert man, with the added bonus of being more technically gifted. His price may rule spurs out, leaving the club in desperate need of another frontman to lead the line.
Who has escaped?
Fulham – Martin Jol midfielder enforcer Mahamadou Diarra is injured meaning Mali will have to better their previous effort of third place without him.
Everton – Steven Pienaar has retired from international duty after captaining host nations South Africa in the 2010 World Cup. Everton have a talented team but lack the depth needed to rotate their squad. Therefore Pienaar staying will be critical for Everton’s pursuit for Champions League football.
Norwich – A honourable mention must go to Sebastian Bassong who has been a revelation for Norwich. Chris Hughton will count himselve lucky that Cameroon failed to qualify.
QPR – Adel Taarabt was not called up to Morocco meaning QPR will still have the creative playmaker who could ignite their season.
Can Taarabt have a similar effect to Carlos Tevez at West ham who single handly salavged their season in 2007?
West ham – Striker Marouane Chamkha has also been excluded from the Morocco squad. In truth his inclusion would have made little difference as he was brought in as cover and is below Carlton Cole and Ricardo Vaz Têz in the pecking order.
Arsenal – Gervinho’s absence will be welcomed due to his poor goal scoring record this season. Walcott looks set to pen to paper and a sign a new bumper contract which will overshadow the loss of the Ivory Coast striker.
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