The Africa Cup of Nations 2021 is right on the horizon! The competition will be host by Cameroon and is set to take place from January 9 until February 6 of 2022.
The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in June and July 2021 but the CAF announced on 15 January 2020 that due to unpleasant climatic conditions during this period, it would take place from 9 January to 6 February 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic also affected the Africa Cup of Nations 2021, as it was moved for the second time to January 2022, whilst keeping the name 2021 Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship purposes.
However, the competition will badly affect many European clubs, who have African players, as they will have to miss the January and February games to join their national teams.
And here are the top 10 stars from the Premier League who will miss some games in the beginning of 2022 to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations.
1. Edouard Mendy (Chelsea) - Senegal
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Edouard Mendy has proved himself to be Chelsea's No 1 keeper and has been pivotal in Thomas Tuchel's Champions League and Super Cup winning campaigns.
The 29-year-old's absence will be a huge blow for the Blues and most likely Kepa Arrizabalaga will replace him for a month.
Mendy played 12 games this season for Chelsea, conceded 5 goals and kept 7 clean sheets.
2. Saïd Benrahma (West Ham United) - Algeria
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One of West Ham United's key men, Saïd Benrahma will hand his team a blow with joining his national team in the African Cup of Nations this winter.
The 26-year-old has been absolutely crucial for the Hammers, playing 12 games, scoring 4 goals and assisting twice.
3. Thomas Partey (Arsenal) - Ghana
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Thomas Partey has struggled with injuries this season as well at Arsenal, however, when fit he's Mikel Arteta's first choice starter in the midfield.
The 28-year-old has made 7 appearances this season, scored once, and surely his absence will give some headache to head coach Arteta.
4. Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace) - Ivory Coast
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Wilfried Zaha is an essential player in Crystal Palace squad, who will get ready to cope with his absence in January.
The 28-year-old played 9 games for the Eagles this season, scored twice and assisted once.
5. Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea) - Morocco
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Hakim Ziyech is not enduring his best time at Chelsea, struggling for regular game time, having made just 7 appearances this season and scored once.
However, him not being able to be in the Blues' squad for the winter months will definitely be a huge blow for Thomas Tuchel, who might look to promote some youngsters.
6. Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City) - Nigeria
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Leicester City will be handed a massive blow as not only Kelechi Iheanacho, but also Wilfred Ndidi, Daniel Amartey and Nampalys Mendy will miss the first couple of matches of 2022.
Iheanacho is a crucial player in Brendan Rodgers' squad, having already played 13 games, netted 3 times and provided 5 assists.
7. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) - Gabon
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is absolutely crucial for Arsenal, team, that he captains so there would be another blow for Arteta.
The Gabon international played 9 games this season for Gunners, scored 7 goals and assisted twice.
8. Sadio Mane (Liverpool) - Senegal
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Liverpool as well will struggle due to the African Cup of Nations as one of their key men, Sadio Mane will miss the games after the holidays.
The Senegalese international made 12 appearances for the Reds and scored 6 goals.
9. Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City) - Algeria
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Riyad Mahrez is one of Pep Guardiola's key players and sure another tactics will be needed to cover his absence.
The 30-year-old winger played 12 games for the Cityzens this season, netted 7 goals and provided 2 assists.
10. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - Egypt
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Mohamed Salah has been incredible so far this season. The Liverpool superstar scored 15 goals and provided 5 assists in his 12 games for the Merseyside club.
The 29-year-old's absence will be the biggest blow for Jurgen Klopp, who will see two of his key front men missing the first games of the next year.
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