How Sheffield United's next four Championship opponents have been impacted by AFCON call-ups
A cluster of Championship clubs have been impacted by the Africa Cup of Nations - but Sheffield United are not among them.
Each of Sheffield United’s next four Championship opponents have been impacted by the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON], losing one player apiece.
The latest edition of the tournament, which is staged every two years, is scheduled to get under way on Sunday with hosts Morocco taking on Comoros.
Fortunately for Blades boss Chris Wilder, the mid-season tournament has not impacted his squad, meaning he has not had to temporarily say goodbye to any key figures ahead of the busy Christmas and New Year period getting under way this weekend.
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On the other side of the Steel City, Wednesday boss Henrik Pedersen, who is already working with a skeleton squad, has lost Yan Valery and Sean Fusire after they were called up by Tunisia and Zimbabwe respectively, while a crop of other Championship managers are also having to deal with mid-season departures.
Among the clubs who have been forced to release players for AFCON are Birmingham City, Wrexham, Stoke City and Leicester City - all four of whom are facing the Blades over the festive period.
Birmingham, who are scheduled to visit Bramall Lane on Saturday, have lost summer signing Bright Osayi-Samuel after he was called up by Nigeria. They are among the favourites to win the tournament, meaning the Blues could be without him for several weeks.
AFCON call-ups impact Championship clubs
The tournament, which will draw to a close on January 18, has also had a slight impact on United’s Boxing Day opponent, Wrexham. Despite being sidelined for over a month due to a hamstring injury, Manchester City loanee Issa Kaboré has been included in Burkina Faso’s 25-man squad.
However, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has admitted it remains to be seen how big a role he could play at the tournament. Nevertheless, he will be missing for their clash with the Blades next Friday.
Elsewhere, Stoke will be without right-back Junior Tchamadeu for the clash with the Blades at the bet365 Stadium on December 29. The attack-minded full-back, who has made 20 appearances for the Potters so far this term, establishing himself as a key fixture in boss Mark Robins’ plans, has been included in the Cameroon squad.
Tchamadeu, who has earned more yellow cards than any other player in the Championship this season (10), has only previously made two starts for his country at senior level.
Finally, Leicester City will be without striker Patson Daka for their trip to Bramall Lane on New Year’s Day after he was included in the Zambia squad. Although he has struggled to force his way into Foxes head coach Martí Cifuentes’ starting XI so far this term, he has featured in each of their first 21 Championship matches, scoring one goal.