FA teams suffering

[Crobinho]

With the popularity of signing African talent growing and the quality of stars from the continent improving, the timing of the tournament is proving a headache for many top-flight managers.
Back in 1996 the likes of Lucas Radebe, Tony Yeboah, Nii Lamptey, Philemon Masinga and Mark Williams were called up for the tournament hosted by South Africa.
This year no less than 30 players are expected to be called-up from top-flight sides, leaving many clubs without key players and down to the bare bones.
Portsmouth have been hit harder than most with four players departing for Ghana later this month, leaving Harry Redknapp claiming he is down to a squad of just 14.
Newcastle and Chelsea also have four stars absent, while the likes of Everton, Spurs, Birmingham and Reading have lost three apiece.
Suffer the most
A skysports.com poll revealed fans feared Portsmouth (37.7 per cent) and Chelsea (36 per cent) would suffer the most throughout the tournament and it is no surprise why when breaking down who will be absent.
Pompey will he losing John Utaka and Sulley Muntari, who are mainstays in the team, along with Kanu and Papa Bouba Diop.
Chelsea, like Pompey, lose a quartet of first-teamers with Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and John Obi Mikel joining star striker Didier Drogba on the flight to Ghana.
Although Arsenal have three players absent later this month Arsene Wenger has the squad to cope.
Winners
Perhaps the real winners are Liverpool and Manchester United, who have no current regulars missing.
With The Reds adrift in the title race, the African Cup of Nations could be the catalyst for Rafa Benitez's side to close the gap on Chelsea and Arsenal if they pick up their league form.
Everton boss David Moyes could find himself in a pickle in January with a trio of key players absent. Joseph Yobo and Aiyegbeni Yakubu have been called-up for Nigeria, while Steven Pienaar is included by South Africa.
Moyes fielded a slightly weakened against Oldham in the FA Cup and slipped to a surprise defeat. Everton's squad will definitely need to up their game if they are to maintain their form throughout the ACN.


Who will shine and who will slump? Should the competition be moved to the summer?