We analyse the tactical, strategic and competitive implications of Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds being the only Premier League clubs not expected to lose players to AFCON 2025.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), taking place in the middle of the domestic season, threatens to unsettle many Premier League squads. Yet Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds United appear to be unique: we are informed they are the only Premier League sides not expected to lose players to the tournament. This fact — small in isolation — may have an outsized impact on each club’s season. Below we examine why this matters and how each side might exploit the situation.
Context: Why it matters
First, the timing of AFCON is critical. The tournament runs through late December and January, a congested period of the domestic calendar. Clubs that lose international players over that window often suffer disruption to training routines, selection consistency and match fitness among remaining squad members. We see three primary areas of consequence:
- Mid-season timing: Loss of first-team personnel can fracture tactical cohesion.
- Fixture congestion: Remaining players face heavier workloads — increased minutes heighten fatigue and injury risk.
- Competitive balance shift: Teams unaffected by call-ups may capitalise on rivals’ weakened squads to accumulate league points.
Technical & tactical implications
Arsenal
For Arsenal, squad continuity is the most immediate benefit. We expect Mikel Arteta to be able to maintain consistent selection and training patterns throughout the festive period, which preserves tactical familiarity and reduces the need for short-term adjustments. Additionally, the absence of international travel and extra matches for key players should limit fatigue and lower injury exposure — a subtle but meaningful advantage in a title race.
Chelsea
Chelsea are in a transitional phase under new management; continuity aids implementation of a coherent playing philosophy. We judge that avoiding AFCON-related absences will help Enzo Maresca keep tactical and developmental plans on schedule, particularly for younger squad members who benefit from uninterrupted training blocks and clearer minutes allocation.
Leeds United
For Leeds, the effect is primarily pragmatic: stability. In battles for survival, small margins count. We anticipate that Daniel Farke will appreciate having his full complement available across the festive fixtures, enabling him to manage rotations, sustain defensive shape and maintain morale without enforced absences affecting selection choices.
Risks & limitations of the advantage
Being AFCON-free is an advantage, but not a guarantee of success. We note several caveats:
- Overconfidence: Clubs may underestimate challenges posed by other factors (injuries, form dips).
- Opponents’ recovery: Teams missing players during AFCON could regain momentum afterwards and negate any short-term gap.
- Depth & incidents: Absence of call-ups does not protect against injuries, suspensions, or poor scheduling that can still derail campaigns.
Strategic outlook & forecast
Our assessment for each club over the AFCON window is as follows:
- Arsenal: Most likely to capitalise. Continuous availability should support a strong mid-season run and help consolidate any title bid.
- Chelsea: A period for steady progress — continuity should favour the club’s longer-term project and tactical consolidation.
- Leeds United: Stability that may prove decisive in the relegation fight; consistent selection and morale are valuable in tight fixtures.
Conclusion
We conclude that the fact Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds are the only Premier League clubs not expected to lose players to AFCON 2025 is a tangible strategic edge. It offers continuity, reduced risk and an opportunity to build momentum while rivals cope with mid-season disruption. How each club exploits that window will depend on management, squad depth and the handling of other season variables — but in a competitive league like the Premier League, even modest advantages can be decisive.