With AFCON 2023 set to get underway in the coming days, players from across Europe’s major leagues will be departing mid-season to represent their countries.
It’s often a headache for managers when the Africa Cup of Nations rolls around. Some Premier League clubs are missing as many as six players for the upcoming tournament.
This year’s competition runs from 13 January until the final on 11 February, and takes play in the Ivory Coast.
The previous AFCON was held in Cameroon in 2021, with Sadio Mane’s Senegal defeating Mohamed Salah’s Egypt on penalties in the final.
Senegal are again among the favourites, along with Egypt, meaning the two former Liverpool teammates could face off once more.
But while big names like Mane, Salah and others will be heading off to AFCON, other huge stars have missed out. We have therefore decided to examine some of the biggest names who won’t be at the competition for various reasons.
Player Who Will Miss 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Wilfried Zaha – Ivory Coast
Former Crystal Palace hero Wilfried Zaha is a well-known name who wont be at the tournament. The Ivorian winger has not been called up by coach Jean-Louis Gasset.
Since moving to Turkish club Galatasary in the summer, the 31-year-old has scored seven times in 21 appearances. But having played only two friendlies for his country in 2023, Zaha has not made the 27-man AFCON squad.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – Cameroon
Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has been dropped from Rigobert Song’s Cameroon squad ahead of AFCON 2023.
The 34-year-old veteran has more than 70 caps for his nation, but was ommitted from the squad on this occasion.
His manager said: “Choupo Moting is a very good player. But my staff and I want the continuity of recent times. He is an important player, but we had to make a choice in line with what we have been doing for some time now.”
Thomas Partey – Ghana
An injury-plagued few years for Arsenal’s Thomas Partey have now cost him a spot at this year’s AFCON with Ghana. His latest setback is a long-term hamstring issue that mean he’s not featured for the Gunners since October.
Ghana manger Chris Hughton said: “We know the quality of player that he is. This is a player that has a substantial injury.
“I’ve spent a lot over this period of time with Thomas and also engaging with the medical staff at Arsenal Football Club. They will treat this injury with caution, and so will the player. This is a big injury for him and the biggest injury that he’s had.”
Bryan Mbeumo – Cameroon
Another Premier League star who’s picked up an unfortunately-timed injury is Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. The 24-year-old winger has seven league goals in 15 games and had been in great form, so will be gutted with his injury.
But after damaging his ankle on 9 December against Sheffield United, he was given an estimated 12 weeks on the sidelines. As a result, he’s not been able to recover in time for selection, and won’t be a part of AFCON 2023.
Hannibal Mejbri – Tunisia
French-born Tunisian youngster Hannibal has not made the cut for his country this year. The 20-year-old Manchester United midfielder has been a bit-part player for Eric Ten Hag so far this campaign.
With just five league appearances and a couple each in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, it’s no surprise to see him miss out on AFCON due to his lack of football.
Said Benrahma – Algeria
West Ham’s Said Benrahma is another victim of limited club performances this season. A superb winger on his day, the Algerian has made just five starts in the Premier League under David Moyes this campaign.
As a result, he’s not been able to force a way into his national side, and won’t add to his 21 Algeria caps at AFCON 2023.
Lyle Foster – South Africa
Burnley’s Lyle Foster has been omitted from South Africa’s squad for this year’s AFCON as he continues to recover from recent mental health issues.
Club manager Vincent Kompany described the decision as ‘sensible’, with the striker not yet ready to travel. Having been named in the preliminary squads, it’s a shame to see Foster miss out. We wish him well on his recovery.
Axel Tuanzebe – DR Congo
Rounding off our list is Ipswich Town defender, Axel Tuanzebe. The former Aston Villa and Manchester United youngster never quite broke into either side consistently.
He’s since joined the Tractor Boys in the Championship, but is again struggling for minutes. Tuanzebe has played just five league games for Ipswich this season, leading to his AFCON omission.
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