West Ham will be without four players for up to five games at AFCON, three of whom are vital players.
West Ham’s team has a significant African influence, which was boosted with the arrival of outstanding Ghanaian striker Mohammed Kudus last month.
Kudus was one of four new additions at the London Stadium during the summer transfer window, and he could be joined at the club by free agent Jesse Lingard.
The Hammers may also require him, especially during the winter. The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been moved from June to January 2024, six months later than planned.
The Ivory Coast will still host, but concerns about the weather in west Africa in mid-June prompted the change, which could have a significant impact on West Ham’s squad for five to six weeks between January and February. This is because West Ham are set to lose four players for up to five games at AFCON, three of whom are absolutely key stars.
West Ham will be without four players for up to five games in AFCON, three of whom are significant players. However, teams are normally compelled to release players participating in AFCON at least a week before the competition begins on January 13th.
And the competition doesn’t end until February 11th, five weeks later.
Most players engaged are also granted a few days off after their engagement before returning to club duty – though West Ham manager David Moyes and his players will have to agree on that.
It means that West Ham will be missing three key players in Kudus, Said Benrahma, and Nayef Aguerd, as well as Maxwel Cornet, for games against Sheffield United, Bournemouth, Manchester United, Arsenal, and possibly Nottingham Forest, depending on how far they go and how much – if any – leave they are given afterwards.
Cornet will play because Ivory Coast has already qualified.
Algeria has already qualified, so Benrahma will be absent.
Morocco, whose primary player is defender Aguerd, has done the same.
And Ghana are top of their group and heavy favorites to beat Central African Republic in their final game on Thursday night. This will result in a new £38 million guy. Kudus will also be absent.
So it appears that signing Lingard is becoming a no-brainer for West Ham, even if it is solely for cover over the busy winter months in light of these anticipated AFCON absences.
