Manchester United are braced for the imminent departure of several key players to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which will be staged early next year.
The Red Devils are set to lose Andre Onana, Sofyan Amrabat, Amad Diallo and Hannibal Mejbri, who will join their respective national teams for the month-long tournament.
Additionally, having failed to earn an England call-up, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could join the AFCON bandwagon if he decides to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Erik ten Hag will undoubtedly miss the calibre of players poised for a temporary exit as their departures could hurt Man United’s top-four ambitions amid a congested fixture schedule.
Their absence will leave the club without crucial assets for Premier League clashes against Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United and Aston Villa.
The third round of the FA Cup on the weekend of January 6 further compounds the situation, with players likely to be away on international duty in preparation for the AFCON.
Even if Ten Hag’s side advance to the fourth round, they’d still be without their African contingent, considering the fixture is likely to be scheduled for the weekend of January 27.
Man United are in a precarious position in their Champions League Group A, sitting bottom of the pile after taking just three points from three games.
There is still every chance they can make the last 16, considering only one point separates them from FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
Nonetheless, there can be no room for complacency from Ten Hag’s side in their final two group games with a slot in the knockout round on the line.
If Man United progress to the round of 16, they could face further challenges as the first leg is tentatively scheduled for February 13 or 14, mere days after the AFCON final.
This could potentially render players involved in the showpiece event doubtful for a swift return to the squad.
However, there is a slim chance of reprieve if an AFCON representative is eliminated early in the tournament, allowing for a quicker return to club duties.
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