This month marks the start of the 2023 AFCON and 2023 Asia Cup, with many top English Premier League players participating in either tournament.
It will be a big blow to many English clubs who will see important players absent from action due to international commitments, so we could see some shock results over the next month in the English top flight.
We picked our starting XI in the Premier League out of the best players who will be heading away on International duty with their respective nations.
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana
Manchester United – Cameroon
Although Andre Onana has not had the best start to his Manchester United career, he is still the clubs number one and the best goalkeeper in the league going away for international duty.
Right-back
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Arsenal – Japan
Takehiro Tomiyasu has been excellent for Arsenal when he has featured this term, and he will be a key player for Japan at the Asia Cup.
Centre-back
Nayef Aguerd
West Ham United – Morocco
Aguerd has featured 16 times in the league for West Ham this term, so will be a major loss while away with Morocco at AFCON.
Centre-back
Calvin Bassey
Fulham – Nigeria
Calvin Bassey has been a mainstay in the Fulham side this term, and he is part of the Nigeria squad that are one of the favourites to win AFCON.
Left-back
Rayan Ait-Nouri
Wolverhampton Wanderers – Algeria
Ait-Nouri has missed just three league games for Wolves this term and he has shown his work both defensively and offensively.
Centre-midfield
Yves Bissouma
Tottenham Hotspur – Mali
Bissouma has revisited his brilliant form this term under Ange Postecoglou, and will be sorely missed when with Mali at AFCON.
Centre-midfield
Wataru Endo
Liverpool – Japan
Endo has really shown great signs in recent times at Liverpool and will be key for Japan in their upcoming Asia Cup campaign, as they look to go one better than second place in 2019.
Centre-midfield
Idrissa Gueye
Everton – Senegal
Gueye has been a vital part to Everton this term, playing a key role in the heart of the Toffees midfield.
Left-wing
Kaoru Mitoma
Brighton & Hove Albion – Japan
Mitoma is arguably one of the most exciting wingers in the Premier League and Brighton look significantly weaker without him in the side.
Right-wing
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool – Egypt
Mohamed Salah is the second joint top scorer in the league this term with 14 goals so will be crucial for Egypt at AFCON.
Striker
Son Heung-min
Tottenham Hotspur – South Korea
Son has netted 12 times for Spurs this season in the league and is likely to be one of the standout performers at the Asia Cup.
