Who is missing? The Premier League players will go to Afcon and Asian Cup

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With the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia also expected to take place in January, Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan) has called for "the Asian Cup to be played in June, just like the European Championship". The defender has been quietly impressing this season and will miss at least five games if favorites Japan reach the Asian Cup final. Mohamed Elneny (Egypt) leaves for Afcon but the injured Thomas Partey is not selected by Ghana.

Of Bertrand Traore (Burkino Faso) Villa's only player, who last played in the league in October, should not suffer too much of a loss. ...