Leicester City are expected to be one of the clubs most affected by the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in the Championship this season.
The deadline for the 24 competing teams to name their final 27-man squad is January 3. But that has not stopped some of the nations already naming their final selections in anticipation for the tournament.
The competition takes place from January 13 to February 11 with the final being played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. It was originally planned to be held in the summer but was moved due to concerns over it coinciding with the rainy season.
City already know that they will be without defender Harry Souttar in January with the Australian international called up to the squad for the tournament. The competition runs until 10 February, but they could be without up to four others when the AFCON kicks off.
As expected, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho have been named in Nigeria’s provisional 40-man squad. The final squad for the tournament is expected to be announced at any time with both Ndidi and Iheanacho expected to be included.
Ghana have only so far released their provisional 55-man squad for the tournament. Abdul Fatawu has been included on that list, but if he makes the final squad is still to be seen, the 19-year-old has been on the edge of the squad for the last few international breaks, but his form for City could see him get the nod.
Like both Nigeria and Ghana, Zambia are also yet to make an official announcement on the final squad. However, striker Patson Daka is a mainstay in the team meaning that he is expected to head to the tournament with his nation.
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