How AFCON 2023 Draw Impacts Arsenal compared to Man City, Liverpool, and Tottenham

The AFCON 2023 (Africa Cup of Nations) group stage draw is in, and it has sparked discussions about how it will affect English Premier League clubs. In particular, Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, and Tottenham are closely watching as some of their key players are set to participate in the tournament.

For Arsenal, the draw has put their midfield duo, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny, on a potential collision course in the group stage. The Gunners' representatives in the Ivory Coast during the tournament, they find themselves in Group B along with Ghana and Egypt. This has raised interest and anticipation for a head-to-head battle between the two midfielders.

In addition to Ghana and Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique round out the group. These four nations are considered strong contenders to progress to the knockout phase. However, the top spot in the group, which may be determined by the match between Ghana and Egypt, will be crucial as it sets the tone for the round of 16.

Group B's winner is likely to face a third-placed team from one of the other groups (A, C, or D). Since the expansion of the AFCON from 16 to 24 teams in 2019, the top two from each group, along with the best four third-placed teams, advance. This means that the Group B winners should avoid the likes of Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, and Algeria.

Nevertheless, Group B's runner-up could face a strong opponent from Group F, potentially consisting of DR Congo, Zambia, or Tanzania. This scenario poses a significant challenge for whichever team takes the second spot in Group B.

For Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, this draw suggests that Partey and Elneny may not be available for selection until after the quarter-final stage. The manager will need to plan for their absence. While Ghana faced early elimination two years ago, they are eager to improve their performance this time.

Egypt, on the other hand, is on a mission to make amends for their previous AFCON performance. Two years ago, they lost in the final to Senegal on penalties. This time, they aim to go all the way, and if they succeed, Mohamed Elneny could earn his 100th cap while lifting the trophy.

With both nations looking strong, Arsenal is preparing for the possibility of missing these key players. The Gunners have shown this season that their midfield can be solidified by the combination of £105 million record signing Declan Rice and Jorginho.

Interestingly, Manchester City does not have a single player heading to the AFCON as things stand. This could have a significant impact on the Premier League title race come January, especially since Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah, and Tottenham is likely to lose Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr. The AFCON will undoubtedly influence several clubs in the league.

The AFCON 2023 draw has set the stage for some intriguing matchups and player absences. Arsenal, in particular, will need to adapt to the potential loss of key midfielders as they aim to navigate a busy Premier League schedule.

SportsLigue