African Cup of Nation's effect on Premier League

We’re getting to that time of the season in which Premier League managers are sweating over the festive period’s inevitable fixture pile-up, the last thing they need is a continental tournament to contend with in January.

The main headache for managers is how to make do without some of their most vital players, while fringe players may temporarily be unavailable too, making their way to the biennial African Cup of Nations, to be held in South Africa in 2013.

The global appeal of the Premier League means many African Players have made their way to England in order to be amongst some of the world’s best players and showcase their talent but a mid-season tournament can leave managers with holes in their squad and scratching their heads.

This season Arsenal look like being the worst affected in January, 3 players will be leaving the squad, but Ivory Coast international Gervinho is the only regular first team-er set for a spell away.

However, for all the teams left without their African stars it will be Roberto Mancini ruing the departure of anybody more than the rest. The Toure brothers will leave Manchester to represent the Ivory Coast, runners up last time out, and while Kolo is more often a substitute than not nowadays it is younger brother Yaya Mancini will miss the most.

Yaya Toure is a regular match winner for Manchester City, particularly his enterprising and dynamic midfield displays which have seen City capture FA Cup and Premier League glory in recent seasons.

Sam Jewell

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